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On top of the world
Updated: Thursday September 06, 2001 3:12 PM
Canadian Jennifer Heil, 18, became one of the youngest skiers to win a World Cup medal when she won silver in moguls at the 2001 Mondial Ericsson World Cup event. Nicknamed "Little Pepper," Heil was the 2000 national champion in single and double moguls. Check out Heil's CNNSI.com diary as she trains for the 2002 Olympic Games.
September 4, 2001 Nestled way up in the Swiss Alps in a town called Zermatt. The calmness and serenity in which the Swiss people live is unmatchable. No cars drive in this village, only small electric taxis owned by the businesses. The streets are lined with the traditional Swiss architecture silhouetted against the mountain peaks. Small picket fences and flowers stacked upon the balconies greet the eye. It is simply majestic. I find every moment to be a treat even when the high altitude leaves my lungs empty and my body fatigued.
An elevation of 11,500 feet is where our mogul course lies. Two tram lifts and a gondola ride take us to the top of the world -- the Klein Matterhorn. It all sounds wonderful, but after a serious case of jet lag and skiing at an elevation so great, the body gets fatigued quickly. The muscles in my legs get tight and my heart pumps twice as fast. The long hours spent in the gym and riding the bike pay off in these moments. At the same time it motivates me to work that much harder. Technique on the ski hill is the main focus for the three-week long camp. Because on-snow time is less accessible it is important that our time is maximized. Nine o'clock until 1:30 p.m. is spent on the mountain. After skiing, the team meets for dryland activities to maintain our fitness levels and ensure a good recovery for the next day of skiing. The first three-day cycle is now complete. Nine more ski days remain. I am really excited with how my summer training program is paying off on the hill. My body is much stronger and able to shoot through the moguls at a quicker pace. The Swedish and Finnish team will be joining us for the next couple of cycles. It will be great to ski alongside the Finnish Nos. 1 and 2 male skiers in the world -- here on top of the world! -- Jennifer
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