Wilma Murro’s friend Olivia McTaggart doesn’t want to drink alcohol. It’s hard for some to accept it.
- Olivia McTaggart doesn’t like to drink alcohol. Not everyone accepts it.
- The New Zealander also talks about his friendship with Wilma Murro.
- McTaggart says he loves Finland.
Pole vaulter Olivia McTaggart23, has never drunk alcohol.
The New Zealander decided at a young age that he would not drink a single drop of alcohol. The decision has been made, but it has also garnered unpleasant reactions.
– New Zealand has a culture of binge drinking. I experienced a lot of peer pressure especially when I was young, says McTaggart.
– I have listened when people question why I don’t drink and why I don’t want to. It seems strange that why abstinence is questioned and not the other way around. It’s about my decision.
Sports and recovery were only a factor in the pole vaulter’s decision.
– I don’t want to be in a situation where I might not be able to control my actions. That discipline has helped in other areas of my life. The decision helps my training and my mood.
Olivia McTaggart’s cap stays on. Roni Lehti
McTaggart goes out with his friends, but survives. Those close to them understand that the young promise dedicates his life to sports.
– I go out with my friends. I have fun without alcohol. When my friends realize that I can be a driver, they accept the decision better, the pole vaulter laughs.
McTaggart speaks publicly about the issue because he wants to normalize being outspoken.
– You don’t always have to drink to have fun. Or you can also drink in moderation. No one should be forced.
Fracture as a guide
Olivia McTaggart jumped her record this year. PDO
McTaggart will compete in the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku on Tuesday. The journey to the shores of Aurajoki was not easy, as the journey from New Zealand to Turku took more than 30 hours.
The pole vaulter first flew to Australia, and the journey continued via Doha to Helsinki. The last couple of hundred kilometers were covered by car.
– I have had a few longer trips in my career, but this is definitely the top end, he says.
McTaggart has a local guide in Turku, because Wilma Murto gave her racing sister a walking tour in the center. The two have known each other for a long time.
– I am excited that I can be here with him. He taught me Paavo from Nurme and the history of the race. Wilma showed Turku places she had visited as a child.
– We are similar personalities. We enjoy jumping and support each other. I’ve always looked up to him. I admire his mindset and tenacity.
The two are training and competing a lot together this week. The journey of both continues this weekend to the Kuortane Games.
For McTaggart, it is the second visit to Finland in his career.
– I love Finland. It’s as green here as in New Zealand. The lifestyle is relaxed. It’s nice to be in nature.
Change of species
McTaggart admires Wilma Murto. PASI LEISMA
McTaggart is a former gymnast. He changed sports at the age of 14, when he suffered three stress fractures in his back.
McTaggart won a bronze medal in his country’s youth games just half a year after switching sports.
– At an early stage, I realized that I could be a good pole vaulter. I decided to enter the Olympics as a pole vaulter.
The New Zealander credits her ambition and work ethic to gymnastics.
– As a 12-year-old gymnast, I practiced almost more hours than I do now. Of course, training was different.
– I am also aware of my body. I know and feel how my body is, even if I’m upside down.
Olivia McTaggart loves Finland. Roni Lehti
McTaggart jumped his new record of 471 in March.
– I have wanted that result for a long time. It was amazing to finally be able to do it. I am much faster and stronger than before.
Now there is a good three-month trip in Europe culminating in the World Championships in Budapest. McTaggart expects warm conditions from the Paavo Nurmi Games.
– It’s nice that the sun is shining. It was 8-10 degrees in Auckland, he refers to his home country.