Sochi 2014: Curling’s Jennifer Jones

Source: Best Health magazine, March/April 2014; Image courtesy of Canadian Olympic Committee

Jennifer Jones exemplifies ‘having it all’: a senior legal advisor, mom to 15-month-old Isabella, and skip for Canada’s women’s curling team heading to Sochi. ‘My parents got me into the sport at an early age,’ she says. ‘I love the smell of the ice, the competition and being part of a small team.’

This is the first Olympics for Jones, 39, who is in Russia with teammates Kaitlyn Lawes, Jill Officer, Dawn McEwen and alternate Kirsten Wall. Women’s curling starts Feb. 10.

Jones gained national attention in 2005 when she won her first Canadian title at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, launching what has gone down in history books as ‘The Shot”a tough move that scored four points on her final stone. She has since won four Canadian championships and a world title.

Jones’ partner, and Isabella’s dad, Brent Laing, is also a curler; he has won Brier and World Curling championships.

Says Jones, ‘I’m fortunate to have flexible employers, and parents who take care of Isabella when we are curling. I am blessed.’

This article originally appeared in the March/April 2014 issue of Best Health. Subscribe today to get the full Best Health experience’and never miss an issue!