Meet Georgia Simmerling, ski cross skier

AFL Team January 31, 2018 No Comments »

Georgia Simmerling was set to compete in PyeongChang in ski cross but on January 20, 2018 while competing in the women’s semifinal at the World Cup ski cross event, she had an accident and broke both her legs. She’s since had surgery on both legs and, devastatingly, she will not be able to compete in this year’s Olympics.

But Georgia embodies the positive attitude and mental toughness necessary to accomplish any goal she sets her mind to. Her recent Instagram post is a reminder that it’s not what happens to you in life that defines you but, instead, it’s how you react to what happens:

Well shit. Two broken leg surgeries wasn’t in the cards this wknd!☹️ . . I am devastated. My emotions feel quite numb at this point. But, my heart is also extremely overwhelmed and filled with so much love from every single individual that has reached out to me. I cannot express enough gratitude to you all❤ . . I tried so hard to be safe, smart, calculated and focused every time I went down a track this season. I came up one month short‍♀ . . The has a way for each of us we simply cannot control. What I can control however is my mindset tackling the next month. I will take on this rehab like I take on everything, with determination, resiliency and a little stubbornness I’m not broken. Well shoot, I guess I am, but I will come back even stronger, I trust in that with everything that I am . . Thank you to everyone who has and is looking after me. My family, my girlfriend @stephlabbe1 , all the visits so far from my team, thank you . . Also, to my @canadaskicross and the entire @teamcanada team, go and do us all proud, I know you will. I’ll be screaming and crying at the

A post shared by Georgia Simmerling (@gsimmerling) on Jan 22, 2018 at 5:46am PST

“The world has a way for each of us we simply cannot control. What I can control however is my mindset tackling the next month. I will take on rehab like I take on everything, with determination, resiliency and a little stubbornness. I’m not broken. Well shoot, I guess I am, but I will come back even stronger, I trust in that with everything I am.”

Georgia already made history when she became the first Canadian to compete in three Olympics in three different sports so there is no doubt that she will get through her rehab and be back better than ever on the other side.

The entire Active for Life community stands behind Georgia, cheering her on as she tackles her healing and rebuilding and we thank her for modeling an amazing attitude for every child watching.

Speed round fun with Georgia

What’s your favourite pump-up song?
Ah, it changes all the time! “Giants” by Lights, right now.

Hopscotch or tag?
Tag

Read the book or see the movie?
Book first, then the movie.

Do you collect anything? If so, what?
Not really. I’m more of a purger. Athletes acquire a LOT of stuff. I try to give as much as I can away to those who need it.

What was your favourite subject in school?
English. And P.E.

Hiking or biking?
Biking

Ocean or lake?
Lake. But only because I live near the ocean.

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate almonds.

What activities did you do when you were a kid?
All the activities!

Cats or dogs?
Dogs

If you could travel in time where and to when would you go?
The 15th century or something. I think it would fascinating to experience how people lived.

Who is a role model you’ve looked up to?
A few of the women who used to be on the Alpine National team when I was a young Alpine skier working my way up.

Early bird or night owl?
Early bird

What is something you’ve never tried but would like to?
Sky diving

Can you tell us about a time you failed?
Ha. There’s been so many. I think my personal failures and setbacks have come in the form of injury… you must find a different kind of strength to persevere through injury, and come back even stronger. It’s in us all.

What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Coffee

Most embarrassing moment?
I overdosed on zinc once (not that long ago) trying to not get sick. My team doctor was on the phone with poison control…. it wasn’t a good situation.

Why is physical literacy important for kids?
I was lucky enough to grow up in a family where activity and sports were always a very large part of my life. Active kids are healthy kids, motivated kids, and happy kids. It’s as simple as that.