Today I had the honour of having lunch with four-time Olympian Shirley Firth.Shirley and her twin sister, Sharon, were integral to the first women's cross-country ski team that Canada ever sent to an Olympic Games. Between them, they won 79 medals at a variety of racing distances at national championships.
Shirley and her sister are Gwich’in First Nation and were born in Aklavik, Northwest Territories, though they grew up mostly in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. Inuvik is also where the two athletes got on their first pair of skis.
It was an amazing and inspiring experience to learn about Shirley’s career and experiences competing on the national cross country ski team. She also spoke about the different aspects essential to optimal performance as a top level athlete such as dedication, training and nutrition.
I also learned that Shirley is very strict with limiting the amount of sugar in her diet. Actually, her advice on nutrition inspired me to take a good look at my own diet, and pinpoint the areas I could improve upon.
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