Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You are an Olympic Gold medalist, having competed four times at the Olympic Games and training to compete at your fifth Olympics. Walk us through your spectacular journey and how it all began?
Ms. Lydia Lassila:
It all began in gymnastics – a sport I competed in until I was 16. I always dreamt of not only going to the olympics but winning an Olympics so when I didn’t make it as a gymnast, I felt like I had let myself down. I felt like I had unfinished business. I still wanted to be an athlete, but I just didn’t know in what sport. That’s when a new opportunity came about – one I wasn’t expecting. The Olympic Winter Institute were looking for ex-gymnasts, I hope they could teach them to ski and convert them to aerial skiers. I had never skied before and knew nothing about the sport but saw it as an exciting opportunity – a second chance to fulfil a childhood dream.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have competed in the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, the 2006 Winter Olympic Games, the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, and the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, winning a gold and a bronze medal. Introduce us to a day in the life of an Olympic freestyle skier, preparing for the Olympic Games.
Ms. Lydia Lassila:
Each Olympics has been very different for me – a lot happens in a 4-year period. Life happens – you mature, grow and are in a different phase of life. However, my preparation and desire to want to do well has been the same for all of them. The difference is that with each Olympics I’ve got a lot better at planning and strategising and knowing exactly what I need to get the best out of myself.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine?
Ms. Lydia Lassila:
My fitness regime is broken down into a few segments.
1. Strength training – using not only free weights but also body weight exercises, fit balls, pulleys, therabands etc
2. Pre-habilitation (i.e.: stabilising exercises that keep my body functioning to prevent injury)
3. Recovery i.e.: yoga, foam rollers, massage balls and ice baths!
Over the years I’ve got to know my body very well and I try to narrow my fitness regime to what my body actually needs to handle the demands and impact of my sport. Being a busy working mum, I’ve learnt to be really efficient with my training and just get in there and do what I need to do.
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