Catching up with Vanessa Meloche
A 7-year veteran
of the Canadian National Team, Vanessa
Meloche represented Canada in numerous competitions around the
World. She enjoyed great success in 2002, winning three bronze medals
at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England. Unfortunately,
nagging ankle and knee injuries plagued her quests for the 2003 World
and 2004 Olympic teams.
A veteran of three clubs (Gym-Richelieu club, Parkettes, and finally
Sport Seneca), Meloche capped off her gymnastics career in the NCAA at
Nebraska. She was a top bars contributor for Nebraska, scoring a
9.95 career high. Meloche was also a strong contributor to the academic
standing of the team; A major in Nutritional Science and Dietetics, she
was a three-time member of the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll.
Gymn.ca recently caught up with Meloche, to reflect on her career and
find out what she's been doing in and out of the gym.
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Meloche won three bronze at
the 2002 Commmonwealth Games
Photo courtesy of Grace Chiu
On her favourite memories....
My favorite memory from my elite career would be to be able to represent my country all around the world. It was such a big honor and I was proud to be a Canadian. The many hours of training in the gym always paid off and if I were to do it all over again, I wouldn't change it for the world.
My favorite memory from NCAA would be being part of team, it is not like elite. You get to go through so many experiences such as
traveling every weekend, training together, going to school together, hanging out as regular people outside of the gym and really getting that team bonding. I have always been team oriented but I really got to shine at Nebraska. I was hurt most of my NCAA career and being a leader was my job. I made sure the girls were taken cared of and if they needed anything, I was there.
Meloche had NCAA opportunities from Nebraska, UCLA, and
California. She chose to compete as a Husker.
I chose Nebraska because I wanted a place where I would feel home. After my recruiting trip I new it was the school for me. Nebraska became my second family and I still visit the people who helped me mature and become the woman I am today.
[Head coach] Dan Kendig was my glue at Nebraska. He couldn't have taken better care of me. Tom Dufresne, my trainer kept my body and my spirit together throughout the many surgeries and without him I wouldn't be "walking" today. To all of the Staff at Nebraska, the love and
support they gave me was and still is
indescribable. And finally, my church family. They brought me into their home and took care of me like I was part of their family.
Life today....
Right now My husband and I live in California. My husband is in the Marine Corps and has already gone through 2 deployments.
I am currently working as a personal trainer at NCthree gym. I love it because I get to help people
achieve their goals. It is such a great feeling.
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Canada's Meloche at the
2002 Parkettes Invitational
Photo courtesy Ruth
Judson |
I haven't been involved with gymnastics for a little over 6 months now. Not because I don't want to, but rather because we just recently moved to California and because I will be starting physical therapy school shortly. I spend most of my time at the gym working or working out myself and walking our puppy of 7 months. He is my little guy who keeps me company when James is working or away for training.
I try to go home [to Canada] at least twice a year. While at Nebraska I could only go when I had the time, and only for a short amount of time. Since I graduated I have been able to stay longer
than usual with my family, which is great. They are my world and I wish I could see them more often. I know how difficult it was for them to see me go through 12 surgeries while at Nebraska and not be able to be there to help. But they have been so supportive and I couldn't thank them enough.
July 18th was my husband and I's wedding and I was able to show my family where I had been going to school for the last four years along with the tremendous people I met and supported me through the good and the tougher times. It was such a thrill to have my family in Nebraska, and for me to share that moment with them.
Keeping up with old teammates
The fun part is to be able to keep in touch with former teammates.
Unfortunately, it is so hard to to so since we are all living our lives in
different states or countries. The gymnast I have been keeping in contact most
is Lydia Williams. We talk on the phone every once in a while and try
to keep in touch as much as we can. She is a doll.
Of course, Kylie Stone is another former gymnast I do keep in
touch as often as possible. She came to Nebraska after me and had the
opportunity to compete with her on for 3 years. She is an awesome gymnast and
she is doing great. She fits well in the NCAA gymnastics program.
As for other former gymnast, it's been more difficult but facebook has
allowed us to keep in touch whenever we can.
Keeping up with Gymnastics Today
I cannot watch enough gymnastics. I DVR [record] all of the
competitions that there is and watch them over and over again. It's my passion
and I miss it so much.
I wish I could still be doing gymnastics. I even tried thinking of how
I could make a come back, but with my body just cannot physically do it
anymore. I have had to many significant injuries [e.g., knee] which prevent me
from doing what I want to do in my everyday life.
Gymnastics keeps me sane and happy. After I am done with graduate
school, I want to get back in the gymnastics community. It's where I belong.
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Vanessa Meloche and husband
James Tessier
Photo courtesy Vanessa Meloche |
