Alumnus is a part of a lot of gold at the Olympic Games

During his 40-year career, alumnus and sport psychologist Cal Botterill [BPE/68] has been to nine Olympic Games, watched daughter Jennifer play for Team Canada — wining gold at the Vancouver, Salt Lake and Torino Olympic Games, and a bronze at Nagano — and mentored countless athletes in pursuit of amateur sports’ ultimate prize. Thirteen of the 221 athletes Canada sent to Sochi this year worked with Botterill, including Team Jennifer Jones, whose relationship with the performance consultant spans a decade.

UM Today invited Botterill to share his reflections on the heels of Jones’s perfect Olympic performance and gold medal victory. He obliged, sharing his thoughts on the experience: “Their plan for the Olympic Trials and Olympics conceived in the spring was one of the best I have seen in my 40-year career. One of their slogans is ‘Plan your work. And work your plan.’! It’s what they did, and the rest is history”

He also shared with us the email he sent to Jones’s team after their win:

“Oh my goodness…. YOU DID IT!!!!! OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS….. Totally happy for you!!!!!  TEARS OF JOY….. SAVOUR IT!! DRINK IT IN!! You are what you dreamed….. Who says dreams don’t come true!! Your story is an example, & will inspire many, including your families & friends…..
Magic happens….. Often have to work for it, but it is there!! I am sure you will never doubt again…..
Hey, the party’s on!! From Sochi to the St. vital curling club, our condo, at Serenity, & in every berg & corner of Canada. You have inspired a nation, & impressed the World!!!!! WELL DONE….. BE PROUD!!!!!”