Jacki started skating when she was six, and dreamt of figure skating in the Olympics. She practiced 8 to 10 hours a day and did whatever she could to make her dream a reality. That included putting immense strain on her body to stay slim and slender–the way she was expected her to look.
The pressure resulted in an eating disorder that ironically prevented her from competing in the Olympics, and cut her dream short. At age 50, Jacki’s back on the ice. With a gift to skate fast, she’s qualified for the Olympic trials in all distances in speed skating. Instead of keeping her eye only on the prize this time, Jacki’s reveling in the journey.
Munzel has competed in several races so far, and judging by her Facebook posts, she’s extremely proud of what she’s been able to accomplish at the event:
Today races are over
Goal was to have FUN!
Mission accomplished
And I wasn’t Last!
Happy Dance!!
Damn right, Jacki.
Canadajournal/Agencies