Meet Sage Watson

Distinguished Alumni Award Winner, Olympian, Beef Advocate & 4-H'er 4-Ever! Photo Credit: Courtesy of Canada Beef

Sage Watson wears many hats (along with quite a few medals around her neck). From Medicine Hat, AB, Sage grew up on a ranch – which led her to 4-H as a beef club member. At the same time, she was developing her skills as a track and field athlete. Fast-forward a few years, and she’d become a household name, competing internationally for Canada at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games, where she earned bronze in the 400m relay, and later gold in the 400m hurdles at the Lima 2019 Pan Am Games in Peru. Sage also competed in the Rio 2016 Olympics in Brazil, and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Japan, as well as multiple World Athletics Championships across the globe. Sage is truly one of Canada’s most beloved track and field athletes, easily recognized by the trademark red lipstick she wears in competition. Having balanced athletics and academics at the University of Arizona, she graduated at the top of her class with a degree in Business Marketing. On top of this already impressive feat, Sage serves as an ambassador for Canada Beef and advocates for female athletes along with charitable causes in her hometown. She continues to pursue education while championing 4-H because of the positive effects she said it has had on her life. Earning the 2021 4-H Canada Distinguished Alumni Award, the former member was presented with the honour at the 4-H Canada Leadership Awards, held virtually with host Peter Mansbridge in February 2022. I recently caught up with Sage to talk about the award and how 4-H has impacted all aspects of her life and career.

Ryan: Naturally, the first big question is how did you get involved with 4-H?

Sage: We have a ranch outside Medicine Hat, and I was a member of the Seven Persons Beef Club. I absolutely loved it. It’s a multi-club now, but it was initially just beef when I joined. I would have been nine years old, with my parents being the big motivators. By Ryan Uytdewilligen

Ryan: What aspects did you like best about 4-H?

Sage: It was so cool to be part of a club with older members who were eager to help me learn. I loved the community service events, and going to camp where they took us skiing. I did so many impromptus and enjoyed public speaking, which helped me a lot. I do it a lot now, speaking in front of others. 4-H prepared me for that and got me comfortable – not to mention the many interactions as a kid that you have with grown-ups, which I think matures you.

Ryan: You went on to become a District Grand Champion for your steer and competed in regional public speaking finals. How long were you a member for?

Sage: I would have been in it for only about four years. I started doing track and field at the same time, and Provincial Championships and our show and sale were always on the same weekend. So, I had to choose. That’s just the way life works, but I think it worked out in the end!

Ryan: You were the recent recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award Congratulations!

Sage: I’m so honoured. It was an amazing opportunity and unexpected. And I see how

4-H is still changing kids’ lives and bringing people together. There is a lot of love and joy and learning there. It feels like I’ve come full circle.

Ryan: Had you stayed involved with 4-H before the award?

Sage: It’s always been a big part of my life. My mom is a 4-H leader. My brother, who is 11 years younger than me, is a member now, too. It’s a big thing in our community. We hosted the club weigh-in at our ranch last year and I was at the last public speaking competition. So, 4-H stayed a big part of my family and my life.

Ryan: You are still involved with agriculture through Canada Beef, correct?

Sage: Canada Beef has been an incredible sponsor. It’s been a huge part of my life and connected me to knowledge about ranching, grazing, nutrition... I’ve served as an ambassador for them and given presentations. My work with Canada Beef is actually part of the reason why I was even considered for the alumni award.

Ryan: You have travelled across the globe, competing twice in the Olympics and at the Pan American Games. Is there a correlation between 4-H and track and field, or any skill you developed when you were a member that you use as an athlete?

Sage: Leadership. I’ve served as Team Captain, so there are many skills from 4-H that I’ve used as far as communication and being an effective leader. Because of 4-H, I know how to be a good listener and bring out the best in others.

Ryan: You do so much in terms of athletics, education, and volunteering. How do you fit it all in and what’s taking priority right now?

Sage: I love running and have had amazing sponsors. I’m lucky to have been able to pursue this career – there have been so many opportunities. I had an injury in my back that I’m still recovering from, but I’m working towards the next Olympics in Paris. I’m also staying close to home. I’m the ambassador to the YMCA in my hometown.

Ryan: As far as your travels go, has any place really stuck out to you?

Sage: I’ve been to Japan three times. It’s incredible. The culture is built on respect. I love Japanese food (especially sushi)! The other one might be Belgium. I love the lifestyle – you walk and bike everywhere and the communities are more tightknit. I love traveling because it’s fun to experience how people in different places around the world go about their lives.

Ryan: Have you met any 4-H’ers in those travels?

Sage: I’ve met 4-H’ers all over the place! There’s an instant bond. You recognize it in each other. It’s funny - I’m from a small community where everyone was in 4-H, so I just assumed everyone did it. I’ve met people, especially in the US, who were members. But, I’ve also met a lot of people who have never heard of 4-H, and I’m always like, “well, let me tell you ALL about it…”

Ryan: Do you have any recommendations for young members or kids who might just be starting to get involved with 4-H?

Sage: Step out of your comfort zone. There’s so much to learn and you might be nervous at first, but just put yourself out there. Put your name in for a position, like vice president - something that you might not normally have done or thought you had the skills to do.

Ryan: Where do you see yourself and your career heading?

Sage: I’m back taking courses and working on nutrition coaching and getting certified with that. I always want to learn more and continue to learn throughout my life. I see that as the next chapter in my life – helping others pursue a healthy lifestyle through health, wellness, sports, and nutrition.

Ryan: Thank you for talking with The Pledge and congratulations once again on the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Sage: Thank you everyone, and thank you to 4-H Canada for your support and for cheering me on. It’s been a huge honour.

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FOR OUTSTANDING 4-H

ALUMNI WHO LIVE THE 4-H PLEDGE – EVERY DAY,

AND IN EVERY WAY.

The 4-H Canada

Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments and leadership and contributions of 4-H alumni to our communities, country, and world. Find out more at 4-h-canada.ca/awards/ alumni.

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