As the 2011 FIS World Cup season ends Sunday in Myrdkalen-Voss, Norway, so will the unforgettable career of Jennifer Heil, perhaps moguls’ most accomplished athlete. And since the Crystal Globe is already Hannah Kearney’s to celebrate, Jenn will have only one goal: to enjoy those last few moments of adrenaline she’s been experiencing for years.
“I really want to soak up these feelings of flying down the moguls course, launching through the air, flying through the air, because I realized that with only two races left I won’t be able to experience that again”, Jenn told us last Saturday before her second Swedish race. “So I’m just looking to find that joy”.
A joy that helped her build one of the most impressive résumés of any skier, male or female. Jennifer has always focused on being satisfied with her performance more than on the results themselves. That’s what’s made her so consistently great and incredibly humble. Of course, as an athlete she always had goals and she’s proud of her wonderful accomplishments that include two Olympic medals (gold in 2006 and silver in 2010), four World Championships titles, and five Crystal Globes. But the most important thing in her mind is that she always tried her best and she always worked hard to get better. For the pure and simple love of her sport.
Perhaps it’s only fitting that her career will end with a dual moguls race. Going head to head with her long-time rivals and Canada’s bright new generation in moguls’ most exciting setup might just be the best way for Jenn to put on a final, unforgettable show. And give her beloved sport a final glimpse of her genuine greatness.