I was fortunate enough to reconnect with friend recently: Canadian Olympian, Anna Goodman. Aside from being a terrific, talented human being, Anna kicks some serious butt on the slopes as a slalom specialist ski racer. Her story is definitely off the beaten path as far as professional athletes go, which makes her all the more inspiring. In my opinion, she is a must watch athlete in the upcoming winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Watch this space for news and updates on Anna’s path to gold. Also follow her adventures and stunning photography on her blog: Goody Goody Good Times!
A casual Skype catch up (with Anna in Salt Lake City and me in Niseko) had us reminiscing about our random times together. It’s amazing how the world has become even smaller with access to so many different social media interfaces! We met through mutual friends in Tremblant (Quebec), managing to spend what seemed like a few stolen moments together in between her rigorous training schedule. As we chatted, her lively green eyes and ear-to-ear smile shone between impossibly gorgeous long blonde locks- she hadn’t changed a lick since we last ran into each other four years ago, at the Auckland International Terminal.
At that time, Anna was heading home after training on the South Island and I had just come off my first season instructing abroad. As I trailed behind the women’s Canadian ski team, she somehow managed to sneak me into the air lounge the were heading to- a feat she waved off as banal. In the moments that followed, I caught a rare glimpse of her life as it really was: living out of suitcases, endless flights, drastically changing time zones and a fun yet exhausting training schedule. Most of the team was draped over couches, pulling out laptops to get in touch with loved ones, all snuggled up in hoodies and down apparel. Though I envied her snowy globe trotting and amazing team of friends, I realized that her life came at a cost- one I’m sure most would forgo.
Anna decided she had had enough of the relentless moving. After a remarkable nine year career, she retired from the Canadian ski team, enrolled in college (joining their ski team) and settled in SLC with her boyfriend. This came shortly after she bravely competed in the 2010 winter Olympics in Vancouver, with a torn ACL no less. Her new home afforded her the opportunity to enjoy a like-minded, outdoorsy community and explore interests that had been put aside in the name of training. Finally leading the life she had dreamed of, she was in for a big surprise when she decided to take on World Cup in Ofterschwang, Germany in spring 2013. Though she had been very successfully racing on the Noram and college circuits (Anna won 14 out of 20 slalom races she competed in), the big leagues were her chance to reconnect with friends and reaffirm where she stood performance wise. You could say being the only Canadian to place was a good reaffirmation, but that would be an understatement: after a shaky first run, Anna went on to dominate the second for the win, placing 15th overall.
World Cup and Noram success fueled Anna’s desire to compete in the Olympics for the second time in her career. She has come barreling out of retirement with a renewed passion for the sport and a laid-back attitude about it (we had a good laugh comparing her “retirement” to celebrity-esque come-backs). Being relaxed and happy has seemingly been Anna’s new secret weapon.
Not only does this lady rock the races, she’s also the co-founder of The Ski Racing Sisterhood: an elite, U-16 summer race camp. Together with fellow Olympian Shona Rubens, Anna organizes and coaches young talent in a for girls, by girls environment. Shaping the female champions of tomorrow is the name of the game.
The Sochi 2014 Olympics are fast approaching. Anna Goodman: I’ll be rooting for you loud and proud!
Winter is coming,
K