Name: Jasmin Glaesser
CAN Fund Recipient Since: 2012
Sport: Cycling – Road & Track
Best Result:
2012 Olympic Bronze Medal – Women’s Team Pursuit
Hometown: Coquitlam, BC
Horoscope Sign: Cancer
On The National Team Since: 2011
How does being a CAN Fund Recipient make a difference for you?
In order to prepare for selection to and a medal winning performance at the Rio Olympics I spend the majority of my time training in California and Colorado. This means being completely responsible for rent, utilities, gas, medical insurance, food and an inconvenient dollar exchange rate. Having the support of CAN Fund means being able to pay my bills and focus on training and recovery leading into Rio.
Who is one person who has significantly impacted your life?
My boyfriend has really helped me find more balance in how I approach dealing with the stress and pressure of competition. Since he is a full-time cyclist as well we train together whenever we can and are able to support each other when we hit a bump in the road. He also helps me to find more confidence in setting goals for myself and following through on them. He is also an excellent bike mechanic!
What is the biggest hurdle you have overcome to get to where you are today?
My biggest challenge has been learning when to put the bike down and recover. I’ve learned the hard way that always pushing through fatigue, both physical and mental, isn’t a viable strategy for achieving my goals. Knowing how much is too much is a fine balance and I have really had to become more in tune with my body to be able to make smarter decisions and train efficiently.
What is the best part about representing Canada?
I love how Canada is viewed by the rest of the world. We are seen as conscientious, compassionate, and friendly. Those are qualities that I hope to embody as an athlete and as a person.
Why are you proud to be Canadian?
I love my country and being able to represent all it stands for. Every time I compete it is a huge honour.
Best advice you have received?
The sports psychologist my team works with often reminds us that if we are falling short of where we want to be or if things aren’t falling in place how we would want them to, then we haven’t yet learned all the lessons there are to learn.
Biggest lesson you have learned to get to where you are today?
To listen to my mind and body to learn when I need to rest and recover. My instinct is to always push on but sometimes the harder and smarter choice is to focus on the quality not just the quantity.
What advice would you give to young kids or teenagers about following their dreams?
The path towards achieving your dreams rarely resembles what you might have envisioned. Being successful means being adaptable and open minded when you face challenges along the way.
If you weren’t a Canadian athlete you would be…?
By now I’d be in grad school pursuing a career in information technology.
What is your favourite thing about being on the road with your teammates?
You’re constantly surrounded by people that support and motivate you.
What are you favourite places in the world you have visited?
In terms of the most unique I would say Doha, Qatar and Minsk, Belarus. My favorites though to train or race are Girona, Spain, Boulder, CO, and anywhere in California.
What are your hobbies?
Yoga, rock climbing and hiking.
What is your favourite movie?
Shawshank Redemption
What is your favourite book?
Open and The Boys in the Boat
What is your favourite tv series?
How I Met Your Mother
What is your favourite song to work out to?
Florence + The Machine
What is a healthy snack you eat before or after training sessions?
I love acai bowls topped with fruit and granola.
Twitter: @JasminGlaesser
Instagram: @JGLAESSER
