It was no secret that Mellisa Hollingsworth would be named to the Canadian skeleton team to compete in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
After all, she’s one of the premier sliders in the world.
But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a special day when the 29-year-old native of Eckville received official notification she would be competing on Feb. 18 and 19 at Whistler.
“It was a special day,” she said. “I remember eight years ago (prior to the Salt Lake City Games) when I got the knock on my door telling me I wouldn’t be going, that was disheartening. So I don’t take it lightly.”
Hollingsworth is one of Canada’s hopes for a medal as she goes into the Games as the World Cup all around champion. She finished on the podium in seven of the eight World Cup events, winning two gold, two silver and three bronze.
“It’s been a great season so far, proving my program is working,” she said. “I’ve been successful on different tracks all over the world and my equipment is working, the dryland training and communication with the coaches is going great, so that’s a big confidence boost heading into Whistler.”
Hollingsworth found herself in a similar position four years ago when she won the World Cup title and went on to capture bronze at the Olympics in Turin, Italy.
But mentally it’s a completely different situation.
“Four years ago I was coming off similar success, but I was naïve about the position I was in. Now I’m more mature and experienced and I don’t take it for granted. Winning the World Cup is a good accomplishment and put me in a position I want to be in. I want to wear the No. 1 bib (for winning the World Cup) and go first.
“Some would find it intimidating, but not so considering my relationship with Whistler. It hasn’t been a great one, but I can overcome those crashes. When I only have to focus on myself and my sled (by going first), it’s the best for me. I don’t have to worry about the other athletes and their times.”
Hollingsworth has had her share of crashes on the extremely fast Whistler track, something that affected her training during a camp last season.
“My camp was cut short because of numerous crashes, stitches in my face and a broken foot,” she explained. “So I didn’t have as much time on the track as I would have liked. Then this fall there wasn’t the volume of time there as I were concentrating on making the national team.”
Hollingsworth has a lot of respect for the Whistler track, which is the fastest in the world.
“You approach speeds of 145-km/h and if something goes wrong, it’s difficult to get yourself out of that predicament. It’s dangerous, but good for fans to watch and a lot of fun.”
Technically, Hollingsworth is doing nothing different than she did four years ago.
“The only difference is that I have a new dryland trainer,” she said. “Other than that I am older and peaking at the right time. I just continue on with what I’ve learned all season.”
But she is more comfortable heading into Vancouver than Turin.
“I know what to expect. I know how to get accredited and how to check in, so that’s not as stressful. I’m excited and pumped about the Games.”
That wasn’t the case eight years ago. She was totally dejected after being left off the team heading to Salt Lake City.
“That was tough,” she said. “But if I would have made the team I wouldn’t have had any expectations for a medal. I may have called it a career right then and been satisfied calling myself an Olympian.
“After I failed to make the team, I developed a new plan and found the right people to support me and it caused me to dig deeper and find that passion again. I think that’s what put me on the podium four years ago and that’s what’s feeding me to be my absolute best this year.”
Hollingsworth believes without a doubt she can finish in the medals and even on top of the podium.
“I believe in myself, I have those expectations. There’s some pressure, but we thrive on pressure situations like this, that’s why we fly down the course at over 140 km/h.
“My goal and dream is to stand on top of the podium and listen to our national anthem.”
But she knows it won’t be easy, although the Canadian sliders should know more about the Whistler track than the rest of the world.
“There are a lot of great athletes, so it will be a great race, and a lot of fun.”
Even if Hollingsworth captures gold, she isn’t about to call it a career.
“I’m coming back next year for sure, but as for four more years I’m not sure yet. If I do decide to stay, I’ll take off some time after next season. But I can’t say right now as I’m still learning things every day. I haven’t figured it all out and have yet to experience that perfect run. That’s what I’m striving for.”
Maybe that’s something she has to offer the Canadian fans in Whistler.
drode@www.reddeeradvocate.com