Imagine representing your country in the Winter Olympics, now imagine doing it with a torn ACL. Sixty seconds with Anna Segal.
Anna Segal felt ‘relieved’ when her place on the Australian Winter Olympic team for Sochi 2014 was announced. With a plethora of injuries leading into selection, Anna not only did her country proud with fourth place on the day, she did it with a torn ACL.
“I found out that I had torn my ACL 3 weeks before my flight left for Sochi. I had one month exactly before I was to compete. Not nearly enough time for surgery and recovery. My only chance was to ski without a fully functioning knee. I was devastated, but had to get over this quickly.
During the next four weeks before my event, I did everything in my power to prepare my body and mind for skiing in my event injured. Rather than act the victim, I had to focus on the positive. It worked. I made it to the start gate!”
Do you hope to compete in Korea in 2018?
No. I retired from competitive skiing after Sochi. I’m now working on filming a ski documentary with my sister Nat (also a professional skier).
What sacrifices did you make to follow your Olympic dream/passion?
Moving away from close friends and family and missing out on milestones and special events in their lives.
What is it about the Olympics that is so great?
X-Games and the FIS World Cups are huge, however it is mainly the core snowsports fans that view these events. I think what makes the Olympics so special is that your sport is presented to an greater audience, that wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to your sport.
What advice would you give to the 8 year old you?
Keep dreaming big
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to become a Winter Olympian in Australia?
Don’t be afraid to move away from home.
Follow Anna on Instagram @anna_segal Twitter @annasegal and facebook.com/anna.segal.14
