Cassie Campbell knows a thing or two about the Winter Olympics. As the captain of the Canadian women’s hockey team, she led her squad to an improbable victory in the gold medal game versus the United States in the 2002 games in Salt Lake City. Then she went and did it again, this time as the favourite, in 2006. Campbell was born in Richmond Hill and raised in Brampton. Since retiring from her playing career, Campbell has worked for CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada. She will help anchor CBC’s hockey coverage in Sochi, Russia, this month.
Is there any more pressure than that which we put on our hockey players to win a gold at the Olympics, and is it fair?
I don’t think there is compared to any other sport in this country. Do I think it’s fair? For sure, I do. Hockey is a sport everyone loves. It is considered the number one winter sport in Canada, and you know, coming from a former player, they put more pressure on themselves to win as well.
Tell me how it feels to be in that Canadian pressure cooker?
I remember my first Olympics, and I definitely allowed myself to feel the pressure too much throughout that year. Just going into 2002, I had learned a variety of different lessons about myself and what is best for the program. It’s tough. You feel it, but at the same time, with experience, you can channel it and use it to your advantage.
How tough is it going to be to pull off the double gold again in hockey?
I think like every Olympics, it is tough. The expectation is actually three golds including sledge hockey. Sometimes in this country we forget other countries want to win, too. It is always tough at top, especially going into Russia, where they are doing everything they can to prepare and be at their best.
Do you think politics will get in the way?
Well, any time there is a big stage like the Olympics, there will be politics everywhere. It is inevitable. Athletes will be asked about homosexuality and Obama, but I’ll tell you, from an athlete’s perspective, politics doesn’t play one role whatsoever.
Who are you most excited to see compete?
I’ve always loved short track speed skating and Mellisa Hollingsworth. I’m a big fan of hers; she’s a skeleton athlete. I’m just looking forward to hearing the results as they come in.
What do you like to do when you’re back in Toronto?
For me, getting an opportunity to go downtown for dinner with family and friends. One of my faves is the Kit Kat at King and John. Sometimes, I even sneak in there by myself and enjoy a nice meal.
