By Mike Zrostek Every school has them, certain athletes who stand out. Georgetown District High School, two of them happen to be sisters and their sport is distance running. Jodye and Kristy Johnson have been a force in running ever since Limehouse are in distance running, a sport which stresses individualism. “It’s hard for other people to imagine what running is like: It’s a pain peo- pfe don’t get to experience unless run themselves, “said Kristy. She remembers having success competing for Limehouse, where she always finished in the top three in events. “Kristy is really motivated in run- ning and really enjoys it,” said mother Barb. “She will probably continue when she’s done school this year. She ran at the nationals in Halifax in grade 11 and really enjoyed it. Jodye says she doesn’t enjoy it but she must get something out of it, I don’t think we’ve seen her(Jodye) best yet.” Jodye has had strong qualifying times in track for the past three years, usually second and third on the team at GDHS, and hopes to continue the good placings over her remaining two years in high school. Both girls train year-round, work- ing out at Centennial Park in Etobicoke and at York University in the winter, which helps them keep a step up on the competition. “We both have come to terms with the fact we’re not going to blow the world away. We compen- sate our ability with hard work, it’s that and motivation that keeps you going.” Kristy pointed out. “J think we run because it helps us in other aspects of our life, it builds charac- ter,” she added. Barb Johnson says a lot of the credit should go to the great coach- ing both girls have had all the way from Limehouse to GDHS. “Donna Metcalfe and all the also praised for his work in bringing the talented runners along. ‘When asked about athletes they follow and admire it was no sur- i mentioned two women in track and field. Susie Favour, an Olympic runner in the 800-metres, Johnson sisters go the dis who is from Hamilton, is Jodye’s favorite while Kristy follows American cross country runner Lynn Jennings. “It’s not so much what they have accomplished, its their attitude, their motivation and drive that inspires us,” said Jodye. _With women’s sports on the rise in popularity and even (some females even competing on tradi- tionally all-male teams), Jodye and Kristy think athletes like goalie Manon Rheaume are important for women. “J hope it will encourage women to do the same thing, you need Halton Hills This Week, Saturday, May 15, 1993 — Page BS tance in running those role models even though that is extreme. Even women at their own levels need that so they can make changes in their own life. I don’t think women will ever be strong enough to compete on the same level athletically as men, - said Kristy, “ but it’s great that men are accepting women on their Other than track and field Jodye and Kristy both enjoy watching baseball; hockey, soccer and figure skating. Kristy says team sports are sothething both girls don’t get to experience very because of their concentration on running. “We miss training with a team because running is so individual There is a lot singular pressure as a runner, whereas in a team sport, its not one person’s fault the team loses.” As far as continuing running when they are finished with high school, Kristy is hoping to continue her sport in university at Queen’s University in Kingston or in the United States. Jodye doesn’t see herself racing after high school, but rather, plans on studying acting in the United States. The Johnson sisters Jodye (left) and Kristy enjoy the individual challenge of distance running. Through hard work and perseverance the siblings are valued members of the GDHS Rebels track team. ‘ e P yhoto submitted Carmen is pleased has changed ifs name fo... xvices anicures~ Waxins »* to announce that Carmen : Coiffure 00 OFF 273A DELREX BLVD. GEORGETOWN, O| HAIRCUT with this coupon ¢ Expires May 29, '93 Limit one per person 873-4700 nor 273A DELREX BLVD. GEORGETOWN, ONTARIO HAIRCUT with this coupon Expires May 29,'93 | Limit one per person I 73A DELREX BLVD. Birra | GEORGETOWN, ONTARIO. with this coupo' Expires May 29, '9: Limit one per person 873-4700 |