Loni Klettl is nervous.

The former Olympian, who is accustomed to hurling herself down a ski hill at 130 kilometres an hour, competing against the world’s best, paces the room in preparation for a completely new challenge:

Speaking to school children.

Gearing up for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, Jasper Elementary School invited Klettl to talk to students about the character needed to reach the Olympics. It’s the first time Klettl, a former student at Jasper Elementary School, has presented her story to students. After conquering her nerves, she shared her ideas about the determination required to reach the Olympics, encouraging students to cheer on all of the athletes during their olympic journey and follow their own dreams.

“I learned if you want something bad enough, anything is possible. It made me a different person because of it,” Klettl said.

Because she had sat on the same floor as today’s students, and skied on the same runs, Klettl said it’s easier for students to see what’s possible.
“I went to school here from Grade 1 to Grade 12. I sat in the same gym and went to the same classes,” she said.

Klettl began skiing at Marmot Basin when she was five years old. By the time she was 11, she was on the Alberta Ski team, and by the time she was 16, she was on the Canadian National team, where she stayed until 1980. She quickly performed well on the world cup circuit, posting two top 15 finishes during her career. Klettl remembers the long hours of training required to reach the games, but said the hardship was worth it.

“I was away months at a time from home and there’s a lot of disappointment. But I’d do it again. You’re competing in a sport you love and everybody has the same goal. That is to win gold,” she said.

Klettl only recently got the chance to see the footage of her 13th place downhill finish at the 1980 winter Olympics at Lake Placid. A friend was able to find a copy of the race after hounding CBC, and presented it to Klettl for her birthday. She said it was great to see.

“I watched it and thought ‘oh I skidded that turn...’ As an athlete you’re always looking to improve. But that video is from 30 years ago,” Klettl said laughing.

She still looks back upon her Olympics fondly, remembering the athletes village and the people she met. She remarked how Calgary changed the image of the opening ceremonies from a drab formal affair to a massive party.

Much has changed in skiing since Klettl wore her nation’s colours. During her run, Klettl’s top of the line skis were nearly seven feet in length, although she says her ‘grey ghost’ ski suit from the games still fits. She did leave the games with a medal of participation, and many souvenirs.

“In the 1980s (the skis) were top of the line, and the sweater was worn for media interviews,” Klettl said

The students had many questions for the retired professional skier, and were impressed with her experiences. She only hopes some of the students, sitting on the floor of the elementary school gymnasium, may be inspired to follow their own Olympic dreams.