Q&A with Melanie “Mel” McQuaid

GU ATHLETE: Melanie “Mel” McQuaid
SPORT: XTERRA Triathlon – Three-time World Champion
BIRTHPLACE: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, 1977
CURRENT RESIDENCE: Victoria, British Columbia
WEBSITE: www.racergirl.com

Superstitions regarding training or competition?
I think if I don’t train hard enough then I might not win.

Strangest thing a spectator has ever said to you while racing?
After blowing cigarette smoke in my face, a European yelled, “Die! Die! Die!” at me. I took that to mean “Go! Go! Go!” in some language.

What characteristics do you respect in your competitors?
Integrity, skill and maintaining a sense of humor under challenging circumstances.

If you could only do one of your three sports, would you choose swimming, biking or running?
I’d go with mountain biking; nothing is cooler.

Song that best fits your personality?
Cake’s “Going the Distance.”

If you were not an athlete, what would you do professionally?
I might be a sommelier.

How do you reward yourself when you reach a key goal?
A pedicure date with friends.

If you were a flavor of GU, which would you be?
My own flavor called “Motivated.”
 
How many GU’s do you eat during an XTERRA race?
I usually go through four GU's.

Personal causes that are important to you?
Working with other athletes to achieve their potential; initiatives to get girls involved in sports; efforts to raise environmental awareness.

Three things most people don’t know about you?
I love preparing elaborate gourmet dinner parties. I grow flowers in my garden. I was a total science nerd before I became a pro athlete.