The “Hope Valley Games” Team
BY: Sharon Fitness for GOOD.
It’s everything Paris at the moment isn’t it?! As we celebrate the re-run of WHEN CALLS THE HEART Season 11 starting this week on GOOD, I thought we could smush up our two obsessions – just for fun. As we watch our Hope Valley friends navigate the trials and triumphs of frontier life, let’s imagine them trading their period costumes for athletic gear and stepping into the world of sporting competition. We take a playful look at which sports – summer or winter (they’re Canadians after all, so winter sports would be their thing) -our favourite Hope Valley residents might choose, and why they’d make perfect contenders.
Elizabeth Thornton – Gymnastics
Elizabeth Thornton, portrayed by Erin Krakow, is the heart and soul of Hope Valley with her grace, poise, and unwavering determination. These qualities make her a perfect fit for gymnastics. Whether she’s balancing on a beam or performing intricate floor routines, Elizabeth’s elegance and focus would shine brightly, just as they do in her classroom and community.
Nathan Grant – Biathlon
Kevin McGarry’s Nathan Grant, with his experience as a Mountie and his rugged outdoor skills, would excel in the biathlon. This sport, which combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, perfectly matches Nathan’s physical endurance and marksmanship. His disciplined nature and ability to remain calm under pressure would see him excelling on the snowy trails and hitting targets with precision.
Bill Avery – Fencing
Jack Wagner’s Bill Avery, with his quick reflexes and sharp mind, would excel in the elegant and strategic sport of fencing. His experience as a lawman gives him a keen sense of anticipation and strategy, essential traits for a successful fencer. Bill’s ability to think on his feet and his natural agility would make him a formidable opponent on the fencing piste.
Rosemary Coulter – Synchronised Swimming
Pascale Hutton’s Rosemary Coulter, with her love for performance and dramatic flair, would be an ideal fit for synchronised swimming. This sport combines athleticism, grace, and precise choreography, all elements that Rosemary would excel in. Her natural ability to captivate an audience, combined with her energetic and enthusiastic personality, would make her routines both stunning and memorable. Picture Rosemary leading her team with dazzling formations, synchronised movements, and captivating music, all while displaying the elegance and strength required in this beautiful and demanding sport.
Lee Coulter – Bobsledding
Kavan Smith’s Lee Coulter is adventurous, strong, and always up for a challenge, making him a great candidate for bobsledding. His teamwork with Rosemary translates perfectly to the close coordination needed in a bobsled team. Lee’s strength and courage would be invaluable as he speeds down the icy track, navigating twists and turns at breakneck speeds.
Lucas Bouchard – Sailing
Chris McNally’s Lucas Bouchard, with his suave demeanor and strategic mind, would be a natural fit for sailing. His knack for reading situations and making quick, tactical decisions would serve him well on the open waters. Picture Lucas deftly handling the sails, navigating the currents, and making split-second decisions to outmaneuver his competitors in a thrilling yacht race.
Mike Hickam – Cycling
Ben Rosenbaum’s Mike Hickam, the ever-enthusiastic and hardworking handyman of Hope Valley, would shine in cycling. Mike’s determination, stamina, and relentless work ethic would propel him through long, gruelling races. Whether it’s road cycling or mountain biking, his endurance and upbeat attitude would help him tackle tough terrains and long distances with ease.
Mei Sou – Taekwondo
Amanda Wong’s Mei Sou, with her appreciation for her cultural heritage, composed demeanour and strong-willed personality, would excel in Taekwondo. Her discipline, focus, and inner strength would make her a formidable martial artist. Mei’s agility and precision in executing kicks and strikes, combined with her calm and strategic mind, would see her excel in both sparring and forms competitions, earning her a place on the podium.
Faith Carter – Triathlon
Andrea Brooks’ Faith Carter is hardworking, versatile, and incredibly resilient, much like a triathlete. Faith’s dedication to her work as a Doctor and her ability to juggle multiple tasks with efficiency and grace would translate well to the gruelling demands of a triathlon. Swimming, cycling, and running would be no match for her unwavering determination and spirit.
Henry Gowen – Weightlifting
Martin Cummins’ Henry Gowen has shown resilience and strength in the face of adversity, traits essential for a weightlifter. Henry’s determination and inner strength would see him lifting incredible weights, proving his mettle in the world of weightlifting. His journey of redemption and personal growth mirrors the discipline and perseverance required in this demanding sport.
Molly Sullivan – Tennis
Johannah Newmarch’s Molly Sullivan, known for her vibrant personality and quick wit, would be an excellent fit for tennis. Tennis requires agility, strategy, and a strong competitive spirit, all of which Molly possesses in abundance. Her ability to think quickly and her energetic nature would make her a formidable opponent on the court, delivering powerful serves and swift volleys with flair.
Florence Yost – Figure Skating
Loretta Walsh’s Florence “Flo” Blakeley, with her elegance and resilience, would shine in figure skating. Flo’s meticulous attention to detail and her graceful demeanor would translate beautifully to the ice. She would captivate audiences with her intricate routines, combining technical skill with artistic expression, all while gliding effortlessly and showcasing her strength and poise.
Ned Yost – Curling
Hrothgar Mathews’ Ned Yost, the reliable and steady postmaster, would be perfect for the strategic sport of curling. Curling requires precision, teamwork, and a calm demeanor, qualities that Ned embodies. His ability to carefully plan and execute strategies, combined with his steady hand, would make him a key player in guiding his team to victory, skillfully sliding stones across the ice and sweeping with precision.
Minnie Canfield – Archery
Natasha Burnett’s Minnie Canfield, with her steady hand and composed demeanour, would excel in the sport of archery. Archery requires precision, focus, and patience – qualities that Minnie embodies in her daily life as a supportive wife, mother and cafe owner. Her ability to remain calm under pressure and her meticulous nature would make her a formidable competitor, hitting the bullseye with consistency and grace.
Joseph Canfield – Decathlon
Viv Leacock’s Joseph Canfield, known for his strength, versatility, and resilience, would be an ideal fit for the decathlon. This gruelling Olympic event tests an athlete’s prowess across ten different track and field disciplines, including sprints, jumps, and throws. Joseph’s physical strength, endurance, and well-rounded athleticism would enable him to excel in each event, demonstrating his capability and determination. His leadership and ability to tackle challenges head-on would shine through as he competes in this demanding and prestigious event.
Imagining the cast of WHEN CALLS THE HEART as Olympic athletes adds a fun twist to our appreciation of these beloved characters. Each cast member’s unique traits and qualities lend themselves perfectly to a variety of sports, showcasing their strengths in a very different light. So, the next time you watch an episode of WHEN CALLS THE HEART or you’re watching your favourite athlete compete at the Croissant Games picture our Hope Valley friends transformed into sporting heroes and competing for gold.
Watch When Calls the Heart season 11 on Wednesday nights at 7:30pm AEST on GOOD. or stream from the free GOOD app. Watch now: CLICK HERE.
About the Author: Sharon Fitness is a staff writer for GOOD. She’s a movie buff, TV fan, foodie and dog lover.
Feature Images: By GOOD.