Meet Mackenzie!

Mackenzie Riddell is a 14 year old synchronized swimmer who was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic rheumatoid arthritis (JIA) when she was 3 years old. On Saturday, January 30th (4:30 pm PST/7:30 pm EST), she will be sharing her story and advice for staying active at the upcoming Physical Activity with Rheumatic Disease Webinar alongside pediatric rheumatologist, Dr. Tommy Gerschman, and physiotherapist, Julia Brooks.

Mackenzie is currently attending grade nine at Cochrane High School near Calgary, Alberta. She is a high level synchronized swimmer that loves to stay active. With her success as a synchronized swimmer and athlete, Mackenzie has competed in many competitions including Alberta Winter Games, where she and her team won in more than one category! Besides swimming Mackenzie stays active in gym class and other everyday activities.

We caught up with Mackenzie before the webinar to learn more about how she manages her sport, and to inspire others to get active with their JIA.

When did you start synchronized swimming? How many hours a week do you swim?

I started swimming eight years ago when I was seven years old. I swim about 9 1/2 hours per week (prior to COVID-19).

How does your JIA affect you as a synchronized swimmer? How does it affect you during other physical activities?

Sometimes due to my arthritis, I will have to stop swimming because it hurts, and when that happens it really sucks, but I know I need to take a break so that I can swim later. In everyday activities, I will sometimes start to feel pain and that’s when I know I need to take a rest and stop, especially in sports that have a lot running and jumping included in them.

Do you have a “pre-game” routine that helps you prepare for practice and/or competition? Or, a “post-practice” routine/wind down? (ie. meditation, visualization, stretching, warm bath, healthy meal, etc.)

My pre-performance routine is to remember to take my medicine, listen to some music, and be with my friends on my team. My post performance routine is to go home, rest and get a good nights sleep.

When swimming pools were/are closed due to COVID-19, what other activities do you do to stay active?

Since all the pools have been shut down due to COVID-19, I like to go for walks and runs with my dog, try to work out when I can, and do new activities I did not get to do before COVID-19, such as learning how to wake surf last summer.

Do you have any advice for other kids/youth with JIA on how to stay active?

The best advice I could give other kids with arthritis would be to listen to your body, if something starts to hurt, you need to stop because if you push past the pain it will hurt more later. And of course, love what you’re doing because if you don’t love it then you won’t feel motivated to do it.

To learn more and register for the Physical Activity Webinar, click here!