The new book available now from Michael Janyk...
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GO TO THE START
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About the Book...
As a third-generation member of a ski-racing family, Mike Janyk fulfills a childhood dream by becoming a world class ski-racer on the biggest stage. He travels to glamourous locales, wins accolades, and enjoys the spotlight and camaraderie that comes with belonging to a national team at the World Cup and the Olympic Games. In this beautifully explored memoir, Janyk chronicles the inner life of an elite athlete from being encouraged in sports by parents hoping to find an outlet for his “excessive energy,” to his rise as a young athlete with big dreams and the will to work for them. He takes us through the emotional whirlwind of victories, defeats, and the eventual need for personal reinvention that come with a life in sport.
A deep dive into the psychology of a champion athlete, Go To the Start is painted in many colors as a fascinating, sometimes tormented, but frequently hilarious coming-of-age set in a milieu that most of us would never dream we could enter. In lively, evocative prose, Janyk brings readers into the enchantment of standing in the starting gate on a snowy night, to the selftalk and mind-over-matter thinking that overcome an athlete’s anxieties and fears, to the thrill of standing on the winners’ podium. It’s a journey of self-discovery that takes him from great emotional heights and to deeply troubled depths, until he comes to find a new way of being in the world. An intimate look into the emotional journey of a world-class athlete, Go to the Start offers a unique perspective and delivers it with deep insight, honesty, and appealing wit.
As a third-generation member of a ski-racing family, Mike Janyk fulfills a childhood dream by becoming a world class ski-racer on the biggest stage. He travels to glamourous locales, wins accolades, and enjoys the spotlight and camaraderie that comes with belonging to a national team at the World Cup and the Olympic Games. In this beautifully explored memoir, Janyk chronicles the inner life of an elite athlete from being encouraged in sports by parents hoping to find an outlet for his “excessive energy,” to his rise as a young athlete with big dreams and the will to work for them. He takes us through the emotional whirlwind of victories, defeats, and the eventual need for personal reinvention that come with a life in sport.
A deep dive into the psychology of a champion athlete, Go To the Start is painted in many colors as a fascinating, sometimes tormented, but frequently hilarious coming-of-age set in a milieu that most of us would never dream we could enter. In lively, evocative prose, Janyk brings readers into the enchantment of standing in the starting gate on a snowy night, to the selftalk and mind-over-matter thinking that overcome an athlete’s anxieties and fears, to the thrill of standing on the winners’ podium. It’s a journey of self-discovery that takes him from great emotional heights and to deeply troubled depths, until he comes to find a new way of being in the world. An intimate look into the emotional journey of a world-class athlete, Go to the Start offers a unique perspective and delivers it with deep insight, honesty, and appealing wit.
Buy your copy today!
Michael Janyk's Go To the Start is now available from most major retailers online.
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Praise for Go To the Start
“Through his struggles and joys, and all the places and spaces in between, I witnessed someone learn who they are, find peace with who that person is and ultimately embrace changes and challenges in ways that allow for growth and development as a human being. This is why I love this book so much.”
-Clara Hughes O.C., O.M., OLY
6 x Olympic Medalist, speed skating and cycling Mental Health Advocate
-Clara Hughes O.C., O.M., OLY
6 x Olympic Medalist, speed skating and cycling Mental Health Advocate
"Dad, I've never seen you read a book so quickly" my kids said to me after I read Mike's book. I couldn't put it down. The stories, the race scene and the historic venues seemed all too familiar. I felt like I was racing alongside Janyk and the Canadian slalom team. I thoroughly enjoyed Mike's book and his journey as a ski racer. Chasing the snow and traveling the world was a gift his whole family enjoyed. Congratulations on an outstanding career."
-Brian Stemmle, CBC broadcaster, 4 x Olympian, Canadian ski team alumni and World Cup podium
-Brian Stemmle, CBC broadcaster, 4 x Olympian, Canadian ski team alumni and World Cup podium
“If you have ever strapped on skis and dreamed of racing your way to victory, you will find yourself somewhere on the pages of Mike Janyk’s odyssey through the sport - from the doubt and loathing, to the ecstasy of the near-perfect performance. The same holds for anyone pursuing individual sport where even the very best lose far more often than they win. So why? As Janyk would instruct himself throughout his decades of racing, just “go to the start” and find out. This is a wonderful tale of on one man’s many hard-earned answers over the years, filled with invaluable lessons for could-be champions as well as the many more participants. As it turns out, it’s not about the wins.”
-Steve Porino, Broadcaster, NBC Sports
“Go to the Start is a captivating journey into the heart, mind, and body of a world-class ski racer. The challenges Mike Janyk faced (and overcame) and the lessons he learned can be valuable for anyone striving to be their best at anything.”
-Jim Taylor, Ph.D., sport psychologist, former world-ranked ski racer
Reading Mike's book "Go to the Start" is like taking a roller coaster ride of the hi's and low's of a life lived chasing the dream. Mike was able to capture the "behind the scenes" of being a World Cup Ski racer. The book left me feeling proud of what we accomplished as a team of athletes, coaches and support staff! Any aspiring Olympian will be well served reading Mike's book to learn what's in store for them if they choose to chase the dream!
-Thomas Grandi, Canadian Olympian, 2 x World Cup winner
"For over a decade, Mike and I charted similar paths through the tumultuous world of ski racing. Although our patchers were different, his journey rings honest and true as it explores what it feels like to pursue perfection."
- Kelly VanderBeek, Olympian, World Cup Medallist, and Sports Broadcaster
"I am so grateful for this book! Mike embarks us on his incredible journey from a young aspiring athlete to the highest level of the sport - highlighting the highs and lows that come with it all. As a retired World Cup athlete, I have lived the same emotions that he had but I honestly thought that I was alone with them. This book helped me feel even better about my athletic career. It is more about the journey and not the results that we should thrive for. I hope that all the young athlete of any sports get the chance to read this book as it highlights the importance of perseverance. This book will fuel your fire and show you how to keep it burning. Thank you Mike for sharing your amazing journey."
-Louis-Pierre Hélie, Canadian Alpine & Skicross Team, Olympian, Coach
“A sleek, in-depth remembrance from a world-class skier.”
-Kirkus Reviews
MICHAEL JANYK
Raised in a family of ski-racers, Mike Janyk raced on the Canadian National Team for fourteen years, performed in three Olympics, won a World Championship bronze medal, and reached the World Cup podium. He lives in Whistler, BC with his wife, daughter and dog where he enjoys biking, skiing for fun, walking the trails and when life allows for it, doing nothing at all."
Michael is available for keynote speaking events on nerves, fear, and free performance.
Follow Mike on Instagram @mikejanyk.
To get in direct contact with Mike, please visit the Contact page.
Michael is available for keynote speaking events on nerves, fear, and free performance.
Follow Mike on Instagram @mikejanyk.
To get in direct contact with Mike, please visit the Contact page.
