The Athlete of the Month is our way of acknowledging a BC-located athlete who has displayed outstanding performances in their sport and deserves recognition. Athletes chosen monthly to be the face of Canadian Sport Institute Pacific will receive a celebration feature on our website and a gift from 2XU.
Each athlete selected as Athlete of the Month receives a small token of congratulation sponsored by 2XU. CSI Pacific would like to thank 2XU for their generosity and support of the program.
January 2019
Phil Mack
Sport:
Rugby
Birthday:
September 18, 1985
Place of Birth:
Victoria, BC
Coach:
Gary Johnston
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Bio
Phil Mack recently led the Rugby 15s Senior National Team to a World Rugby qualifying tournament win earning Canada the last remaining spot at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. As captain of the team, Phil faced immense pressure both within Rugby Canada, but also the entire Canadian sport system, as Canada had never failed to qualify for this event. But Phil and his teammates rose to the challenge defeating Kenya, Germany, and Hong Kong on their way to victory.
A registered CSI Pacific athlete from Victoria, the scrum-half first wore the Maple Leaf in 2009 in a test match versus Ireland. Additionally, Phil was one of the players selected to represent Canada at the previous Rugby World Cup in 2015 starting one of the four matches played. While currently playing exclusively 15s for his national team, Phil is also one of Canada’s most experienced 7s players becoming the first Canadian to appear in 50 HSBC World Sevens Series tournaments as well as winning Gold at the Pan American Games in Toronto. When not representing Canada, Phil plays professionally as a member of the Seattle Seawolves club in Major League Rugby.
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Q&A
What do you find to be the most exciting part of your sport?
The most exciting part of rugby, and what keeps me coming back, is everything that comes along with the game. The respect element between opponents, players, and the referees I think is unique to other sports. Teams go at each other on the field and then sit down and share a meal afterwards. Rugby is very much a brotherhood/sisterhood to all that play.
What do you like to spend your time doing when you are not training/competing?
I like spending time with my family first and foremost. For me it’s the best way to recharge and prepare for the next period of high intensity training. I also enjoy golfing quite a bit although I don’t think I’ll ever have a career in that sport.
Would you rather have the chance to be SUPER strong, or SUPER fast? And why?
I would choose super speed for obvious reasons. Won’t get hit as often!
If your life was a movie, what would it be called?
My life movie would be titled: “A Little Fast, A Little Furious”.
What is a skill you wish you had?
I wish I had some kind of musical ability. Or any sense of tone!
If you could give any advice to upcoming high performance athletes what would it be?
My advice would be to 1st: find enjoyment in whatever sport you play and 2nd: to challenge yourself daily to improve.