What It Takes To Become An Olympic Athlete | Sophia Jensen
Canadian Sprint Canoeist - World Junior, U23, and Senior World Champion
Last month, I teamed up with Nomades du Parc, Chelsea Athletica and Ciele Athletics to launch the Local Legends podcast series.
“A local legend isn’t defined by titles or records but by the impact they make in their community and the inspiration they provide to others.”
Being a local legend means leaving a legacy of excellence, camaraderie, and sportsmanship that goes beyond competition. It's about using your passion to bring positive change to your community.
The Local Legends speaker series tells the stories of athletes: how they discovered their love for their sport, the lessons they’ve learned, and how nature has influenced their athletic journeys.
In this episode, I sat down with Canadian sprint canoeist, Sophia Jensen. She will be representing Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Sprint canoe racing is a sport that requires power, balance, endurance, and speed. She has been both a Junior and Senior World Champion since 2018!
She fell in love with the sport the moment she put her paddle in the water. In grade six, inspired by a flyer from the Cascades club, she joined their summer camp.
Episode Lessons
1. Embrace Adventure
Sophia’s life is an ongoing adventure. From childhood bedtime stories about outdoor escapades to exploring the globe as an adult, her love for adventure is evident.
"Adventure just runs in the blood," she says. Experiences like camping in Belize and paddling in remarkable lakes and rivers have shaped her journey, deepening her love for her sport and enriching her life.
2. The Power Of Role Models
Sophia's Olympic journey was inspired by her family and prominent athletes. Meeting Chandra Crawford, a gold medalist, sparked her desire to reach similar heights. "I needed to go to the Olympics. It just looked like the coolest thing," she recalls. Embracing mentors and role models can significantly influence one's ambitions and drive.
3. Mental Fitness Matters
Transitioning from a junior athlete to competing at the Olympic level required immense mental strength. Sophia spoke about the mental preparation needed, especially during high-stakes moments like Olympic qualifications.
Her routine of taking "five deep breaths" before a race highlights the importance of mental fitness. “I train four times a day. I kind of know what I'm doing, so I should relax a little bit,” she notes. This lesson underscores the importance of mental fortitude and preparation in all areas of life.
4. Find Joy In The Journey
Sophia finds joy not just in winning but in the day-to-day journey of training and competition. She compares her experience to a "lifelong summer camp" and emphasizes the importance of enjoying everyday activities.
"It's been like a lifelong summer camp more or less," she muses. Pursuing what you love and finding joy in every moment leads to a sustainable and fulfilling life.
5. Impact The Next Generation
Sophia's passion goes beyond her personal achievements; she loves inspiring the younger generation. Through programs like Fun Sports and mentoring at local clubs, she encourages kids to embrace sports and the outdoors, making them realize they can pursue sports throughout life.
“I never want kids to feel that they have to quit at a certain age,” she says. Focusing on nurturing the next generation helps ensure the continuation of passion and perseverance.
6. Community Support
Sophia’s connection to the Chelsea community is profound, and she often credits the local support system for her success. The backing from Chelsea Athletica, her former coaches, and friends have been her pillars of strength.
"Community just means so much to me,” she shares. Building and maintaining a supportive community is crucial for pursuing and achieving one's dreams.
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Thanks for reading!
Cheers,
Writer l Speaker l CEO of Living Your Greatness
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