Olympic Athlete Interview: Nikola Girke

There have been a fair number of world class athletes who have competed in two Olympic Games, but very few who have done so in two different sports. At the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, West Vancouver native Nikola Girke represented Canada crewing on the two person 470 sailboat, finishing 13th.The following year, this multi-talented athlete switched to RS:X windsurfing, launching another — yet completely different — Olympic campaign for Beijing 2008. A respectable 17th place finish at those Games inspired Nikola to continue in pursuit of bringing home an Olympic Medal for Canada this summer. Nikola has competed in World Championships, Pan American Games, and European Championships alongside competitors who have been windsurfing for decades. She is the sole Canadian representative at the London 2012 Olympic Games in women's windsurfing, and the perfect inspiration for those of us who would love to master even one activity!

BMP: What achievements are you most proud of?

NG: I am most proud of having switched Olympic sports from being a crew on the double handed 470 sailboat dinghy in Athens 2004 to competing in windsurfing at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.  To make that switch was incredibly daunting and a lot of hard work. Since Beijing, I’ve been relentless in my training and am a medal contender for the London 2012 Games.

BMP: Do you think Canada’s top athletes have anything in common with the general population who want to get fit?

NG: Yes, absolutely, we all are capable of getting fit. We all have goals and we make choices on how to achieve these goals. Athletes are probably tougher on themselves, disciplining themselves to endure when others wouldn’t. I like the quote by Lou Holtz: "Ability is what you are capable of. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it."

BMP: Are there days where you don’t feel like training? In those moments, what motivates you/what advice would you give to those who can’t seem to get motivated?

NG: I am human after all…so that goes without saying – I don’t feel like training all the time. Training on the water when it’s cold and raining is miserable at best, so getting out of the house is half the battle. Set a time - being accountable to someone like a friend/training partner/coach or a schedule you post on your fridge is key, and know that the sooner you do it…the sooner it’s over with. Knowing how good I’ll feel after and knowing that I will have outworked my competition are all motivating factors too.



Photo by Mike Wakefield

 BMP: What are your top tips for those who want to lead a more active lifestyle but don’t know where to start?

NG: Set goals, short – medium and long term goals that are measurable and realistic so you can achieve success. Start off with a few times per week and progress from there, you want to build into a routine, not destroy yourself by leaping straight into it. And most importantly you’ve got to enjoy yourself. Pick activities that you enjoy and do them with friends.  

BMP: Many people are concerned that our schoolchildren are not as active as they should be – if you could implement one initiative in Canadian schools what would it be?

NG: I think it’s really important for kids these days to be active everyday. Each school day should include physical education, centered around healthy eating and exercise that is fun. If kids have fun, they’ll be more likely to do it in their own time too rather than turning to all the sedentary distractions like TV, video games etc. that are available.

BMP: What for you is the number one benefit to leading an active life?

NG: I like feeling fit and being healthy, and the bonus…the more active I am, the more energy I have.

BMP: What’s your favourite healthy snack?

NG: Sugar Snap Peas and all berries… but not together!

BMP:  What’s your favourite ‘active health’ activity to do on a day off from training?

NG: Days off are tough – they are supposed to be solely for recovery, however, I’m not good with just lazing around all day. If I’m near a surfing spot … I’d go surfing. Going for an easy hike, a nice walk or a bike ride with friends is a great way to get outside and move, which also helps recovery.

Follow Nikola's progress on facebook, twitter, and her website