Michael Linklater- A basketball legend: A story of hard work, resilience and staying grounded in our culture and who we are

Michael Linklater is a basketball legend. Michael is Nehiyaw from Thunderchild First Nation in Saskatchewan. Growing up in the inner city of Saskatoon, watching friends struggle with drugs and alcohol, Michael promised himself to never touch drugs or alcohol, a promise he has kept. Michael fell in love with the game of basketball at the age of 11. From winning a national championship with the U of S Huskies, going on to plan 3 X 3 basketball on the World Stage and finishing his career winning a Championship with the Saskatoon Rattlers professional team. Finding strength in his faith and culture, Michael was able to push himself harder than many. Facing racism head on, Linklater has become an incredible leader. Showing up each day with gratitude, staying grounded in who he is and where he came from, and learning to feel to stay present on the court and in life all are a piece of how Michael has been able to achieve the success he has had.

How do we get through some of the most difficult seasons of life? Seek support and wisdom from mentors or elders. Learn from those who have walked the journey before you and listen. Listen to their story, hear how they grew from their struggles and transfer that wisdom to your own life. We are never alone in our struggles, there will always be someone who has walked before you, we have to learn to reach out.  Michael has worked extremely hard to achieve the health and performance he has, but he humbly credits the support he has had in his life.

 

“What is your favorite movie? When you think about that movie, if there is one thing you would go back and change, what would you change about that movie? Right now… you are in your movie. You are at a point where you can change the direction or route that you want to take, rather than waiting to the end of the movie when you can no longer change anything.”

 

Follow Michael Linklater and see what he is up to

Instagram: @Michael_linklater

Twitter: @mrlinklater

Facebook: @LinklaterMichael

Website: www.michaellinklater.com