Seasoned Olympian Jennifer Botterill is competing in the 2010 Winter Games on the women's ice hockey team

Jennifer Botterill is no stranger to Olympic glory, having already competed in three Winter Games on Canada’s women’s ice hockey team. In Nagano she brought home silver, and in both Salt Lake and Torino she won a gold medal. After more than 12 years on the national team, Botterill is set to participate in yet another Olympic event, this time on her home turf.

What makes this 30-year-old athlete so inspiring? Perhaps it’s the five World Championship titles under her belt, or maybe it’s the fact she graduated with honours from Harvard University—yes, the Harvard—with a degree in psychology.

Hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Botterill grew up in a sports-oriented family. Her father is a sports psychologist, her mother is a two-time Olympic speed skater and her brother is a former NHL hockey player. It may seem like a lot to live up to, but Botterill says “there was never any pressure. I was fortunate and very lucky. They just wanted me to be healthy, be active and have fun.”

As the public gets antsy waiting for the Winter Games, it’s nothing compared to how impatient Botterill’s team must be feeling—but what better way to warm up the competitive spirit.—Jennifer Patterson