Vernon-born Olympian Camille Martens releases new book on parenting in youth sports

July 30, 2026 - 20:05

Martens, who once competed at the highest levels including the Commonwealth Games, draws on her own journey to address the challenges families face in competitive athletics. Her book moves beyond typical training advice to explore the emotional and psychological dynamics between parents, coaches, and young athletes.

The timing of the release aligns with major international competitions, offering a counterpoint to the high-pressure environment often seen on television. Martens argues that the most critical support system for a young athlete is not the coach or the club, but the parent who drives them to practice and watches from the sideline.

She writes from personal experience, having navigated the pressures of elite sport herself. The book aims to help parents recognize when their involvement becomes counterproductive, offering strategies to foster resilience and a genuine love for the game in their children. Martens emphasizes that the goal is not to produce champions, but to support healthy development through sport. The work serves as a guide for those trying to balance ambition with well-being in a competitive youth sports landscape.