With all the homegrown talent in our city, we were able to reach out to a few Olympic athletes to find out how they spend their time when they aren’t busy training and competing. One of those athletes is Calgary’s Megan Gunning, who officially qualified for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games on January 20. While practicing for the Winter X Games in Colorado, Megan sustained a serious knee injury and is no longer able to compete at the Olympics this year.
Megan has some huge accomplishments behind her, and we know she will come back stronger than ever. We wish her the best of luck in her recovery, and invite you to discover all of her favourite spots on 17th in this special edition of Walk With…
What are some of the highlights of your skiing career so far?
In 2009, I had a lot of great success during my season. I placed second at Park City World Cup, second at World Championships in Inawashiro Japan, and third at the World Skiing Invitational in Whistler, all in the halfpipe event. I think 2009 was a big stepping stone year, which eventually helped me get into X Games 2010 where I placed second. After that, everything kind of pieced itself together. Since the X Games in 2010, I joined the Canadian National Halfpipe Ski Team, landed back-to-back cork 900’s, landed a switch ally-oop 900, and placed 3rd at the X Games 2013.
How often do you come down to 17th Ave?
I am absolutely in love 17th avenue! I visit 17th almost every time I come home from a trip. The reason I love it so much is because there’s something for everybody: great restaurants, fun home decor stores, unique one-of-a kind shops and a great candy store! 17th just has the best vibe ever.
What are some of your favourite spots?
I’m a candy fiend so I love Freak Lunchbox, the candy store. Earth Gems is always a funky place to stop in at, they have every rock and mineral you can think of. Steeling Home is a fun place to shop around in, whether you’re looking to decorate your home or looking for knick-knacks and cool jewelry. Janice Beaton Fine Cheese is another must stop for me, my family loves to eat quality cheese and they have a huge selection to choose from. I love to eat at Tubby Dog, I recommend the peanut butter and jelly hotdog with Captain Crunch on top. Clive Burger is a good place to have lunch, they have really delicious fries and fry dipping sauce. I love making jewelry so a stop at Beadles is a must for me.
Describe your ideal day on the avenue.
My perfect day on 17th would start like this: grab some friends, pick up a delicious coffee at Caffe Beano, leisurely browse at my favorite shops: Steeling Home, Earth Gems, Janice Beaton, Mona Lisa Art Supply, Beadles and Leo Boutique. Stop for lunch at CIBO and before I head home stop in at Freak Lunchbox and get a very large bag of candy!
Stay up-to-date on all of Megan’s adventures by following her online here:
Facebook: Megan Gunning Ski
Twitter: @MeganGunning13
Instagram: @megangunning13
