George A. Custer said it best: “It’s not how many times you get knocked down that count, it’s how many times you get back up.” Georgia Simmerling – two-time Winter Olympian and five-time Ski Cross World Cup medalist – epitomizes this winning spirit. In 2012 she broke her neck and back, but still managed to return to her skis. But then in 2015 she had a season-ending crash that left her with a shattered wrist.
How was Georgia going to get back up after that?
It’s kind of hard to ski with one shattered wrist (actually, for me it’s kind of hard to ski with two perfectly good wrists).
So Georgia started training really hard on a bike! In fact, she set herself the goal of making the Canadian Track Cycling Team, and having a shot at competing in the 2016 Rio Olympics. And guess what? She did it!
Georgia Simmerling has now come back from two spectacular and apparently “career-ending” crashes to be officially selected to compete in Rio with the Canadian Endurance Team Pursuit Cycling Team!
To me, Georgia Simmerling’s story is about never giving up. Of course, I will never be an athlete like her, but the take-away for me is to keep on moving, despite aching knees or tired back or aging muscles. My goal is not to compete in the Olympics, but simply to keep enjoying being active for as long as I am alive. And for that, all I need to do is to keep getting back up after every setback (like Georgia) – and use a bike to keep to moving (also like Georgia!)
No matter what your goals, I am sure you will find Georgia’s story inspiring. Check out this video made by one of her sponsors, Two Wheel Gear. Warning: there’s a nasty crash at the beginning, but then it gets better! And keep a beady lookout for Two Wheel Gear’s spectacularly awesome Garment panniers (reviewed here)!
Here’s a parting shot of Georgia in regular gear and in athletic action – watch out world, she’s coming right at you! #GoGeorgiaGo !
Photos and video courtesy of Two Wheel Gear.
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