At Athlete’s Choice Massage in Edmonton and Sherwood Park, we are proud to highlight members of our athletic community who inspire perseverance, strength, and passion. This month’s Featured Athlete is Neana Tardif, a Senior Project Officer with the RCMP who has been pushing her limits in triathlon for over two decades. Competing with Ironteam Cops 4 Cancer, Neana embodies determination, resilience, and the importance of community support in sport.
A Journey Fueled by Goals
Neana’s triathlon journey began with a simple goal—complete her first race before turning 30. That was 20 years ago, and since then, she’s built a career in endurance sport while balancing work, family, and life’s challenges.
“Triathlon is about more than swimming, biking, and running,” Neana explains. “It’s about dreaming something you thought was beyond reach, taking the steps to chase that dream, and becoming a better, stronger you.”
Her story resonates with many athletes in Edmonton and Sherwood Park who rely on structured training, recovery strategies, and even sports massage therapy to keep their bodies and minds strong.
Notable Achievements
Over the past two decades, Neana has completed races of all distances, including:
- Ironman Canada Penticton (2010, 2012)
- Ironman Canada Whistler (2013)
- Ironman Canada Ottawa (2025) – her 50th birthday race and fourth Ironman finish
Crossing the finish line at age 50 reminded her that passion and commitment can carry athletes through even the toughest training cycles.
Overcoming Challenges
Like many athletes, Neana’s path has included obstacles. In her early triathlon years, she balanced training with single parenthood and a demanding role as a 911 police dispatcher. Later, after her third Ironman, she was diagnosed with a heart arrhythmia that threatened to end her athletic career.
Now, in her 50s, she continues to adapt to the natural changes in her body while staying dedicated to training and recovery. Her resilience echoes what we see in many of our massage therapy clients in Edmonton and Sherwood Park—athletes committed to longevity in their sport.
Motivation & Inspiration
Neana draws inspiration from gratitude for her health and energy, as well as from people who face daily struggles with illness and adversity. Joining Ironteam Cops 4 Cancer allowed her to combine endurance sport with giving back to her community.
Future Goals
What’s next? Neana plans to complete Ironman #5, add more Ironman 70.3 races, and even take on her first marathon. Her story is a powerful reminder that goal setting fuels progress at every stage of life.
Life Beyond Triathlon
Outside of training, Neana enjoys strength training, gardening, home renovations, and camping. Staying active in different ways helps her maintain balance and avoid burnout.
Advice for Aspiring Athletes
Her message to others in the Edmonton and Sherwood Park fitness community is simple:
“Don’t be overwhelmed by big goals. Break them down into smaller steps, celebrate each milestone, and believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid to start—whether it’s your first triathlon, a marathon, or a new fitness journey.”
Caring for Her Body with Massage Therapy
One of Neana’s keys to performance and longevity is sports massage in Edmonton at Athlete’s Choice Massage.
She works with her therapist, Sydney, to identify weaknesses, address muscle tightness, and recover effectively. “Massage therapy helps me train consistently and avoid injuries,” she says. “You can’t nail every workout or meal perfectly. Give yourself grace, enjoy the journey, and don’t forget naps!”
This emphasis on recovery highlights why so many athletes—triathletes, runners, swimmers, and weekend warriors alike—trust sports massage in Sherwood Park and Edmonton as part of their training plan.
A Touch of Humor
Even during tough races, Neana finds joy in the lighter moments. She recalls race-day signs like:
- “Keep chafing your dreams”
- “All toenails go to heaven”
- “Pain is temporary, finishing is forever”
These reminders keep her smiling through the hardest miles.
Final Thoughts
Neana Tardif’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and community. Whether you’re a triathlete training for Ironman, a runner chasing a new personal best, or someone simply wanting to move pain-free, her journey is a reminder that with determination—and the right support—you can achieve anything.
At Athlete’s Choice Massage in Edmonton and Sherwood Park, we’re proud to support athletes like Neana with expert massage therapy for recovery, injury prevention, and performance.
Connect with the friendly and experienced team at Athlete’s Choice Massage Sherwood Park.
