Lassila looks on the bright side of golden career

MUCH of Lydia Lassila’s pride in her final Winter Olympics campaign came from feats off the snow.

The Australian, who lives in Lorne, ended her glittering skiing career in disappointment, bowing out in the aerials qualifiers of her fifth Games after failing to land her two jumps.

She finishes an Olympic gold and bronze medallist and with the record for the most number of Winter Games competed at by an Australian woman. The lead-up to these Games has involved temporarily relocating her family, including two young sons, overseas for training and competitions.

While failing to land a punch in PyeongChang, her ability to juggle sport, a business and family during the campaign has been a source of pride.

“I enjoyed it because I had my boys with me and such a supporting husband, Lauri,” Lassila told reporters.

“When I said I want to go back, he rolled his eyes. But he supported me and it’s a been a wild ride, to bring the boys along and have them at training camps and things like that.

“It just proves you can do it as a mother. I run a business, I’m an athlete and a mum. You can do it all.

“I’m really proud of this campaign, that I could manage to do that.

“It’s not easy for an athlete who’s 17 years old who has no responsibilities. But a 36-yearold with responsibilities, with real life responsibilities, it’s a challenge to make sure that no one is missing out on anything.”

The highlight of Lassila’s remarkable career came when she captured a gold medal at the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010.

At Sochi 2014, she became the first woman to attempt a quad-twisting triple somersault in competition and while not landing it, she finished third. Lassila was hurt by not being able to reach the final of her swan song but is philosophical about the ending.

”It’s brutal. It’s a disappointment, obviously. It’s like dealing with loss,” she said.

“You’ve lost an opportunity. You feel pretty down.

“But that’s sport. You’ve got to reflect on the good things. I’ve had the moments that I’ve had. My kids, my family, my friends. Life’s good.”