Heidi Widmer

Biography

Heidi Widmer made her Olympic debut at Sochi 2014, where she followed in the footsteps of older brother Philip, who represented Canada at Turin 2006. It was watching him qualify for that Olympic team that sparked her own desire and belief that it would be possible for her to one day also achieve her Olympic dreams.

Specializing in the sprint, Widmer trains with the Alberta World Cup Academy, part of the World Cup legacy in Canmore. Widmer has competed at the FIS World Junior Championships four times (2008-11) and the FIS Under-23 World Championships twice (2012-13). She won her first senior national title in 2013 when she took gold in the 5km freestyle event.

PERSONAL

Getting into the Sport: Started skiing at age six… Began cross-country at age nine because she didn’t want to wait for alpine chairlifts… Growing up in the Rocky Mountains her family was always involved in skiing… Outside Interests: Enjoys cooking, arts and crafts… In the off-season enjoys ski touring, attending music festivals and surfing… Works as a server at her family-owned Ticino Swiss-Italian Restaurant and occasional housekeeper at Mt. Assiniboine Lodge… Part time studies at Athabasca University… Athlete ambassador for Fast and Female… Odds and Ends: Favourite Olympic memory is Beckie Scott winning bronze (later upgraded to gold) at Salt Lake City 2002 because her excitement and happiness on the podium was contagious…  Role model is Olympic silver medallist Sara Renner for her passion and commitment to sport…