Sarah Hendrickson is gold medalist ski jumping World Championship 2013, 22-time World Cup medalist and 13-time Continental Cup medalist. She is in conversation with Namita Nayyar President Women Fitness.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have started ski jumping at young age of seven years and you reached the pinnacle of success by winning Gold at FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2013 in Women’s ski jumping at Val di Fiemme, Italy. What factors you consider were responsible that made you achieve that?
Ms. Sarah Hendrickson:
I started ski jumping purely out of love. There was hardly anyone to ever look up to and the future with sponsors and financial matters were never a good scene, with this being said, I showed up to training everyday because of my love for ski jumping. I 100% believe that if you have passion for something, you will succeed much better than if you’re in something for the other reasons such as media, money or attention. I worked really hard for many years and focused on being happy with myself and my situation even when times were hard.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
On August 21, 2013 You suffered a knee ligament damage in Oberstdorf. You had on your right knee tearing of your ACL and damaged MCL. Post surgery you spent up to 6 hours a day in rehab, fighting your way back and was named to Team USA for the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games. You had the great honor in being the first woman to get to jump in an Olympic Games. How you were able to overcome such a physical injury/setback and what advice you can give to fellow sports person in a similar situation?
Ms. Sarah Hendrickson:
My knee injury was nothing shy of the worts event in my life. I had been jumping the best ever and I had my goal set on gold, I could hardly believe it had happened to me. Luckily I had an amazing medical team behind me and support system to fight back and make Sochi. Looking back now I am thankful I worked that hard because of my Sochi experience but it was the hardest six months of my life. I would say never give up. So many people rolled their eyes when they heard how bad my injury was and my goal of making Sochi, but I proved them wrong and that feels so good.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you shall like to share?
Ms. Sarah Hendrickson:
For ski jumpers, it is really important to have strong, lean and quick leg power. Therefore we do a lot of squats and plyometrics. It is also really important to have a strong core in order to keep everything connected. I love to run and bike and although it’s not needed for ski jumping it keeps me fit and heart healthy.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Sarah Hendrickson:
Weight is a huge element in ski jumping as we are constantly being weighed for BMI in competitions. Luckily I have good genes and am naturally skinny, however I value what I put in my body. I don’t have a strict diet in the way that I count my calories but I like eating healthy as much as possible. My best advice is to always eat breakfast. I usually do my weight workout in the morning and if I show up on an empty stomach, it’s worthless.
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