Program(s): Bachelor of Science - Environmental studies
Sport(s): Vikings Cross Country Running & Indoor track
Starting their post-secondary journey’s together, twins Ben and Sam Nawrot cross the stage Sunday afternoon together after competing alongside each other for three years in the red, black and white.
“Training and competing with your brother, there’s always a sense of competition,” says Sam. “Whether it be a recovery run or a race, there’s always that sense of wanting to finish first or run slightly further to give you that extra edge for the next race. That constant sense of competition drove me to train harder and improve my performance more than I ever could have without my brother there.”
Over their three seasons of eligibility, the Nawrot’s kept gaining in the standings on the trail during the fall, while claiming a bronze in the Men’s 4x200 Metre Relay and Gold in the Men’s 4x400 Metre Relay at the 2022 ACAC Indoor Track Championship, before following it up this past season with bronze in the Men’s 4x400 Metre Relay, alongside fellow brother Connor and Aidan Peake, with Sam picking up his first solo medal, a gold in the Men’s 600 Metre.
“Training and Competing alongside Sam was kind of an odd experience. While he was my biggest rival, he was also my biggest supporter,” added Ben. “Being a twin, it's always been a competition about who can perform better. This is good because we motivated each other to improve and perform to the best of our abilities. Despite our competitive nature, I couldn’t think of a better supporter during a race.”
Looking ahead, the brothers are both looking forward to continuing their studies in medicine following a break to gain more life and job experience, but not without running remaining in their lives.
“My advice for current and future students is to take time to enjoy the little things. Time can fly during university and it’s easy to get distracted with studying. It’s important to remember to take breaks once in a while to enjoy the people and experiences Camrose and the university have to offer,” said Ben, while Sam offered some advice of his own.
“Have fun and relax,” Sam adds. “Sometimes the best thing you can do to break up a studying session is to work out, go out to eat with friends or spend an hour at campus rec. Another thing I would stress the importance of would be to meet new people early on in your degree program (students or faculty), and really build your support circle and networks.”
After successfully completing in two sports and at CCAA and ACAC Championships together, both Ben and Sam cross the stage instead of the line with each other there to support in whatever life brings next.