For siblings Hannah and William Wintoniw, competing side by side at national events has become a shared tradition. Both Manitoba athletes first raced at the 2022 Canada Summer Games in canoe kayak, then swapped their paddles for skis at the 2023 Canada Winter Games. Now, they’re back in boats, stronger than ever.

Both agree that the team boat races are a standout at this multi-sport event. 

“Now finally we got to race together on the training days and actually know who's all going to be in the boat, and what order we're going to be in - we’re feeling really strong on those days,” said Hannah.

“Me and my partner, Mowgli, have been working all this summer for this past race, so that went good, and the team boat was the best so far,” William added.

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From Ski Tracks to Sprint Canoe

Canoe kayak wasn’t where the Wintoniws started — it was a strategic pivot from their winter roots.

“Cross-country skiing, that was my main sport. I don’t really love running and that was what I was mostly doing for training so [my Dad] said I should pick up a summer sport to do something for training. Manitoba has a ‘come drop-in and learn how to paddle’. I came and was like, I love this, it’s amazing," Hannah said.

William joined shortly after, and both have since balanced two demanding disciplines with ease.

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No Rivalries Here

These two are prepared to support each other in training, in the gym, and in the water. 

“There’s definitely some competition, but I think it’s more inspiration. [William] really inspires me with training and trying to be better and push myself.”

“I’ve gotte faster than [her] now, but she’s a really good training partner - she’s consistent. It’s nice having someone at home who knows about the races, and what happens,” William added.

Balancing elite competition in two sports is no easy feat, but both say it’s deeply rewarding and increases their motivation to compete at a high level.

“It makes me feel really good. It's really fun. Nothing in my life makes me feel as nervous and as rewarded after. I will be like ‘this is the worst thing ever, I can't even believe I'm doing this. I don't know why I'm doing this’, and then I'll finish a race, and I know that's why I'm doing this. I love it. It brings me so much joy and makes me so happy,” Hannah said joyfully.

William agreed and added, “I think it often pushes me through when I'm not having a good day. I really love racing, so being able to do it all year is good, and also, I just love training.”

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Crossover Advantage

From balance to mental strength, each sport has made them better in the other.

“The cross training is pretty helpful. Like skiing in the winter, greatly improves paddling, and training all summer, it makes makes me a better skier,  skiing and paddling actually go pretty well hand in hand,” said William. 

Hannah suggested the mental strength and perseverance gets her through the tougher times. 

“I think having a strong mental game has really helped me, and mentally, self-talk and being able to, like, push myself and not get overwhelmed at large races, 'cause I know I've done it so many times.

From skis to canoes, the Wintoniws embody what it means to be multi-sport athletes — dedicated, resilient, and always pushing forward, together.

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