EDMONTON – Freestyle skier Jennifer Heil, from Spruce Grove, Alberta, has been named one of Canada’s most influential women of 2013 by a sport and physical activity organization.
Heil was named in the 12th edition of the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS)’s list.
Heil has won Olympic gold and silver medals in freestyle mogul skiing, is a four-time World Champion, and five-time overall World Champion.
WATCH: One-on-one with Canadian Olympian Jennifer Heil
She was acknowledged by the CAAWS for her work as an ambassador for the Because I am a Girl campaign, which aims to improve the lives of girls in under-developed countries.
Heil grew up in Spruce Grove, and attended Woodhaven Middle School. She has been featured numerous times on Global News for her athletic accomplishments, beginning from when she was just 12-years-old.
Heil was named the Canadian Female Athlete of the Year for 2011.
In addition to her work with Because I am a Girl, Heil now runs her own girls-only mogul ski camp, and is the co-founder of B2ten, a group that aims to reshape how Canadian Olympic athletes achieve their full potential.
WATCH: Jennifer Heil talks about physical activity and stress reduction
“It is great to see the number of strong leaders who contribute so much to our country and on the international scene,” said CAAWS Executive Director Karin Lofstrom. “Our goal is to assist in raising the profile of these leaders as well as celebrate women who make a significant contribution to physical activity through to high performance.”
Calgary’s Kaillie Humphries, an Olympic bobsledder, also made the list, along with Christine Sinclair, captain of the Canadian Women’s Soccer Team; and Caroline Assalian, chief sport officer for the Canadian Olympic Committee.
CAAWS’ final list was compiled by a selection panel from public nominations and feedback from sport and physical activity leaders.
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