Since the Canadian men's curling team won gold at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, curling has grabbed a large interest in a lot of people across Canada. Even here at Fanshawe people have started paying more attention to the sport. Which is good for our teams, having people interested in the sport is a big ego boost for the players, like Alexandra Birtwistle.

The Burlington native has been playing since she was young.

“I was brought up with curling,” said Birtwistle, “I have done it since I was little, basically since I could throw a rock and I learned that I just enjoyed it, so I kept playing.”

Curling is a team sport, but it also is an individual sport. A curling team is divided into five members; lead, second, vice, skip and a sub. The skip is the captain, calling all the shots and throwing the last rock. Birtwistle plays the second position.

“I really enjoy the strategy involved in it. It is a different sport, than other team sports,” explained Birtwistle. “However what I really dislike is when you don't make a really important shot, it can ruin the whole game for the whole team. It is a hit or miss sport.”

Birtwistle said that her biggest accomplishment has been getting to understand the sport.

“People don't realize how much thought is involved in the sport. It is a lot of thought and strategy behind every move; it's like playing a board game.”

Her message for upcoming athletes is similar to that strategy.

“Go in with an open mind, and realize that it is harder than it looks. Don't think you will get it right away, it takes a long time.”