Inspired Soles

130. Lynn Kanuka | Olympic Medalist Turned Coach

• Carolyn Coffin and Kim Senechal • Episode 130

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Recently named “Canada’s Greatest Female Distance Runner” by Canadian Running magazine, Lynn Kanuka won medals on numerous international stages and set almost every Canadian middle distance record during the height of her storied career in the 1980s. 

Born and raised in Regina, SK, Lynn now lives just outside of Vancouver where, until 2021, she coached our current Canadian record holder in the marathon, Natasha Wodak (episode 124). 

We chatted with Lynn about how she discovered running, what role her father played, and the many influential coaches she had over the years. We also dig deep into all the details of her 3000m bronze medal performance at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. While this iconic race might be the one she’s best known for, Lynn describes other races where she was able to pull even more out of herself and remembers very fondly. We explore the topic of competitiveness, including knowing when to turn it on and when to turn it off, the drawbacks of our instant gratification culture on today’s athletes, and why she feels it’s harder to be a coach than an athlete.

We can see why Natasha Wodak had such amazing things to say about Lynn. She goes all in on whatever is important to her and brings her positive attitude everywhere she goes. Please enjoy our wide-ranging conversation with Canada’s bronze medal lady, Lynn Kanuka.

Resources we discuss in the episode:

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