Calgary curler follows in family's footsteps

Athlete of the Week: Kyler Kleibrink

It’s another night of curling at the Glencoe Club and Kyler Kleibrink is tossing a few rocks to get ready for an upcoming competition.

Kleibrink has been curling all his life which is no surprise when you meet his parents.

His dad Richard is a Canadian Mixed Champion and mom Shannon  is a four time Alberta champion and Olympic bronze medalist.

“They coach me of course so I don't have a random coach, I have my parents coaching,” said Kleibrink.

“Kyler was probably two when he first stepped on ice and then when he first started playing he was probably seven or eight in a mixed bonspiel and we actually won some money,” said Richard Kleibrink. “He was hooked for life as soon as he won money.”

Kyler and his team won the provincial juvenile title earlier this month and will represent Alberta at an international event in B.C. next week,

“We felt really good because last year we lost two provincial finals so this year to win it felt really good,” said Kleibrink. “It’s like lit the fire and I want more so its going to really make me want to practice harder and keep going on in the sport.”

For his competitive spirit and love of sport, Kyler Kleibrink is the CTV Calgary Athlete of the Week for Friday, March 15, 2013.

(With files from Lisa Bowes)