Successful Canadian women share their secrets to happiness, life, success, and style
Very few people can say that they have attended and competed in four Olympic Games, or that they came away from the most revered sporting event in the world with three gold medals, but Jennifer Botterill can. This Olympian and world champion was a member of the Canadian Women’s Hockey Team from 1997 to 2011, and was part of the team who won the memorable gold medal game against the USA at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games.
She’s currently a keynote speaker who travels the world, and is a contributing broadcaster for Rogers Sportsnet, and helps run Journey to Excel, a high performance training centre for hockey athletes. Oh¦ and we almost forgot to mention, Jennifer graduated from Harvard University with honours. Yes, this lady has mad skills and the intellect to go with it, and you’ll want to read about her secrets to happiness, success, and style.
Astrological sign: Taurus
Skates or stilettos: Skates
Summer or winter: Winter
Potato chips or poutine: Neither, I’d pick something sweet.
As a keynote speaker and TV broadcaster, do you ever get nervous when you’re in front of the camera or a crowd? If yes, what do you do to calm your nerves?
I try to transfer everything I learned about hockey and sport into these settings. Of course, everyone has nerves but I try to channel those moments into relaxed intensity. I’ve learned to take a few deep breaths and remember that everything I’ve done in my life has prepared me for this moment. Doing this keeps me centered and allows my performance to peak and take over, to be focused and intense.
If you could relive your favourite Olympic moment, what would it be?
If I had to pick one it would be playing in the gold medal game at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. And it wasn’t a goal that I scored, but an assist I gave to my teammate Marie-Philip Poulin, which helped us to win the gold medal. Making that pass to her was my favourite play of my career. Every time I see pictures from that game I still get goosebumps, it was so much fun.
What are some of your favourite activities to do to stay in shape and healthy?
I love running. Most days I get up early in the morning to run by the lake or if I’m travelling I always pack my sneakers. I also really love yoga, I find it very refreshing.
Finish this sentence: I want women around the world to ___________.
Have lots of self-confidence.
What are three things in your wardrobe you cannot live without and why?
My go-to items are workout gear, my nude pumps, and my dark skinny jeans.
If you could create a recipe for happiness, what would it contain and why?
Gratitude and appreciation would be a big part; it’s all about little moments of appreciation. Then health and fitness, I love being outside and enjoying the outdoors. And also surrounding myself with good people.
Name one famous person (celebrity or historical figure) you would like to have a brunch with and why?
I would say Oprah. She has done so many amazing things with her life, inspired and impacted countless people, but she remains grounded. She would be my choice for brunch.
