A love of dance is what first drew Kimana Mar to rhythmic gymnastics, but a vibrant and supportive community is what she credited for her success today. At just 23 years old, Mar is set to perform on the world stage this summer at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany, where she will join a staggering 7,000 athletes, 3,000 coaches, and 20,000 volunteers for the experience of a lifetime. 

But Mar didn’t always have her sights set on being an elite athlete. 

“I started rhythmic gymnastics in 2008, purely out of a love for dance. And I actually started ballet before I started rhythmic gymnastics,” said Mar. “When I began rhythmic gymnastics, I was mostly just interested in it, and I wanted to try it out to see if I liked it.” 

Mar’s interest quickly turned into a passion: what followed was years of training and dedication that would propel her into a successful career as an elite athlete. Having already competed at two world games, Mar is no stranger to the pressures and challenges that come with preparing for competition but now, with a college course load thrown into the mix, staying on top of things is no easy feat. 

“Usually, I train five to six times a week,” said Mar. “That includes gymnastics, fitness, ballet and mental skills training.” 

And when she’s not at the gym or with a coach, Mar is training at home, stretching and conditioning in preparation for the next time she hits the mat. When asked how she manages to juggle school on top of such a busy schedule, she referenced how the tools she’s gained from her athletic training have influenced her academic success.  

“The mental skills training has helped me manage my stress and anxiety,” said Mar. “It makes me feel like I can worry less and helps me visualize positive outcomes. I can manifest where I want to be and hone in on that, that skill transfers from my sport into school.” 

Mar is currently completing Algonquin College’s Office Administration program. She feels thankful for the confidence that her sport has instilled in her, confidence that has helped her excel in her studies. 

“Rhythmic gymnastics empowers and motivates me. It inspires me not to just do well in my sport but also in school, for example. I’m able to take the confidence and how I feel about what I’m doing in my sport and apply that to my schoolwork — it’s part of the reason why I’m doing so well academically,” explained Mar. 

For Mar, final assessment week often feels like the last performance of a competition, a time when she musters all of her motivation for one last push to the podium. 

“When you get closer to the final assessment week where everything is coming at you very quickly, that motivation and inspiration really help keep me going,” said Mar. “I’ve learned that when things don’t happen the way you want them to happen — when you have a failure, or you have a mistake — then you just have to keep going. You can’t dwell on the challenges. You have to charge ahead.” 

Today, Mar is charging ahead in more ways than one — instead of focusing on the challenges in front of her, she’s focused on making the most of the opportunities that await. 

“Being a Special Olympian means being a part of something bigger than myself,” said Mar. “Through the Special Olympics, I have made so many lifelong friends. I’m most looking forward to travelling this summer, meeting new athletes and growing my community.”

Mar shared her wisdom for other students looking to try something new, learn how to manage life’s conflicting priorities or persevere toward a goal. 

“The hard work will pay off,” said Mar. “Don’t give up. If you are feeling overwhelmed take a break and come back with fresh eyes — everything will work out in the end.” 

Stay tuned for more to come on Mar’s push to the podium at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games. Congratulations, Mar! Algonquin College is rooting for you. 

Learn more about the world’s largest inclusive sporting event or sign up to volunteer by visiting https://www.berlin2023.org/.