Clearing new hurdles: From Olympic dreams to USask physical therapy

Originally from Saskatoon, Ostertag left home at 13 to train at ballet schools including Canada’s National Ballet School in Toronto and the American Ballet Theatre in New York City. In the summer before Grade 12, she stepped away from ballet, leading her to explore a new sport: track and field.

Having grown up in a family of athletes, she was well-supported in pursuing a new athletic endeavour. Although she had little training, she won three medals in her first provincial high school track and field championship and was recruited to join the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Huskies track and field team.

“Early on it became clear that I was a strong all-around athlete,” she said.

This well-rounded athletic background made her a perfect fit for the heptathlon, comprising seven events including the 100-metre hurdles, high jump, shot put, long jump, javelin and 800m. As a USask kinesiology student, she won two Canadian championships and represented Canada. After completing her undergraduate degree, Ostertag spent two years training for the Olympics and world championships. Unfortunately, a series of serious injuries and illnesses kept her from competing.

Retiring from the heptathlon wasn’t an ending but a new beginning—starting the Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) program and returning to compete as a Huskie athlete in her favourite event—hurdles.

Her decision to study physical therapy was strongly influenced by her experiences as an athlete. Having faced numerous injuries, her rehabilitation was guided by exceptional physical therapists who left a profound impact. In some of the most discouraging moments of her recovery, they offered hope, helped her rebuild trust in her body, and ultimately supported her to return to the sport she loves.

“I want to help people return to the activities that are meaningful to them, whether that’s playing with their grandchildren, returning to work, or training for the Olympics,” she said. “Through my own journey, I’ve learned how challenging injury and recovery can be, and I hope to use those experiences to better understand and support the people I work with.”

Balancing the demands of a graduate program with the responsibilities of being a student-athlete requires intention and discipline. She has discovered that academics and athletics often complement each other more than they conflict. After long days immersed in lectures, labs, or studying, returning to the track offers her a much needed mental reset—a chance to shift her focus, move her body, and reconnect with the sport that energizes her.

For her, success lies in compartmentalization. When she trains, her attention is solely on track; when she’s in class or studying, she’s fully committed to her academic work; and when she’s with friends or family, she strives to be entirely present. That mindset helps her stay grounded and prevents her from becoming overwhelmed by the competing demands of her schedule.

A crucial part of her ability to thrive in both worlds is the support system around her.

“I’m incredibly fortunate to have a village of people supporting me,” she said. “My family has always been supportive of my goals and are truly my biggest cheerleaders.”

She also leans on her classmates, who keep her updated on coursework whenever she’s away for competitions. And, of course, her teammates play a vital role, bringing joy and camaraderie to training, which makes the balancing act not only manageable but deeply rewarding.

The 2026 season has been one of remarkable success. She earned gold in the 60m hurdles at both the USPORTS nationals and the Canada West championships, contributed to the Huskie women’s team’s eighth straight conference title, and set new Canada West and all‑time Huskie program records, surpassing the previous mark held by Olympian Michelle Harrison.

Although she is still discovering which area of physical therapy she hopes to specialize in, Ostertag’s rich blend of athletic, academic, and rehabilitation experiences has laid the foundation for her to excel in any path she chooses.