Jenny Owens has achieved amazing results on the winter slopes through out her career and is the only Australian able-body athlete in winter sports to compete in two different events at Olympic level.
Jenny won a bronze medal at the 2012 Winter X Games in SkierX and has also collected two silver and two bronze medals on the World Cup Ski Cross circuit and is aiming for her third Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia 2014 to finally bring home her GOLD medal!
She is a member of the Australian Olympic Committee’s Athletes Commission which helps past and future athletes in Olympics and “life after sport”.
Jenny enjoys giving back to the community and has also started up talent Identification program with her national body to help kids in becoming better athletes and/or Olympians.
When she retires from sport, Jenny would love to be in the entertainment industry, hosting TV shows in sport or lifestyle.
- Just remembered, I have fallen foul of the 'celebrity endorsement,' once ... when I was about 16/17. I lived on TAB for about a year after watching a then unknown Elle McPherson come out of the surf and not do a panicked scramble for her beach towel. First time, last time. And the product worked. I was divinely thin, a bit of my hair fell out from malnutrition but there's always a compromise, right? - Gee
- Don't watch ads but I saw the big photo of Brad Pitt at the perfume counter in David Jones and wondered what he was doing there LOL - Rhoda
- So true Carole/m, and wasn't it nice to know that Gina was in Parliament with all the 'rent-a-crowd' on Thursday night to cheer on Rupert's boy Tony. I wonder if Gina provided the champers for the dinner afterwards to celebrate his "brilliant" speech. Seems the exhilaration ended badly for Peta Credlin. - JoanneH
- Nice try Lynda , just a couple of problems looming for " Ruperts Boy" . He's about to find himself in court with compliments of David Etteridge & if he's got the guts to hold himself to his own standards, he'll have to stand down . Wouldn't want to have his tainted vote in the Parliament would we. Brough , Pyne , Bishop , Hockey and others are about to be investigated regarding the Ashby Conspiracy . So much for corruption . - Carole/m
- I'll have what they're having :) - Jillm
- All that money, but they don't have the sense to look after their bodies. They could afford the best chefs cooking the best foods, personal trainers, and private gyms, but I guess greedy is as greedy does, and extends to over eating. They won't make old bones. - Lucille
- Me too, try my hardest not to buy nestle, still remember the baby formula episode all those years ago. - Antonia
- Couldn't agree more. Has no effect on my spending at all. Nicole Kidman please! - Antonia
- @ Michael Angwin Not against Foreign Investment , Michael, just expect them to pay fair taxes & stop using their Billions to lecture us and to stop using their Billions to overthrow the government that was elected by the people. A small dose of humility , less arrogance and some consideration for those less well off might help . I won't be holding my breath waiting . - Carole/m
- HellB, I sooooooooo agree. If you want to forget about anxiety, a therapeutic option is to watch it with the volume down girls. Pour yourself a Pimms and enjoy. - maria t again
ON THE HIGHWIRE PROFILE
Jenny Owens
FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS
Freebies
-
WIN A COPY OF HANNAH RICHELL'S 'THE SHADOW YEAR'
Actions in our past can cast a long shadow. A seemingly inconsequential string of events...
-
WIN A CALL THE MIDWIFE SERIES 2 PRIZE PACK
Based on the bestselling memoirs by Jennifer Worth, Call the Midwife follows Jenny Lee, a...
WHAT MADE YOU HAPPY THIS WEEK?
I was lucky enought to be invited along to the "one year to London Olympics" to host a table (2GB) to help raise funds for our Aussies to get to London. The AOC raised just under half a millions so very successful! Very happy to be able to support the summer team in some way!!
TV. WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING?
I'm right into Master Chef at the moment... I usually get right into TV but these days I usually go to bed and watch a movie! Very boring!!
SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGALISED?
This is one of those arguments that go around and around in circles! I say no.... If numbers are rising, legalising it certainly wont bring numbers down. As they say, it isn't an enhancing drug so you would probably find people start becoming less reliable in the work place, running out for some munchies and then having little naps to sleep it off.....!!
WHERE WILL YOU BE WHEN YOU’RE 80?
Geez... scary thoughts!! I hope to be in a retirement’s village with all my friends!!! Wishful thinking hey!?
I hope to god, i'm not in a nursing home, they are horrible and sad places. My grandma was in one after a stroke.... they just sit around, waiting to die. The nurses don't care so much about them, well, some do, some don't... it's still not great no matter which nursing home your in.... You end up sharing rooms with people who are about to die or watch you die!! Not a place I ever want to be if I can help it....
I guess time will tell....
YOUR LIFE IN HIGH HEELS
I love high heels but don't get a chance to wear them as much as I'd like... I pretty much live in snow so you can't walk around in snow or ice, otherwise it's ass up! When I do get a chance to wear them, I do have to walk around the house in heels for a few days to warm my feet up to them so I can get through the day/night in them!
WHEN HAVE YOU STOOD UP FOR SOMETHING YOU BELIEVE IN?
To many times... I usually get myself into trouble for speaking up and speaking my mind!!! I'm not so sure all those times were over something "real"... it's usually just me doing what I do best!
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
My mum told me I used to say that I wanted to be a brain surgeon haha!!! Unfortunately, I didn't have the brains to go with that job!! Figured I was better off doing something else that not many others did and ski for a living and become an Olympian at the same time!!
DEAR PRIME MINISTER, MAY I HAVE A WORD?
Politics is a tough subject and I ALWAYS avoid it. The conversations always turn to arguments because people are strong on their beliefs.
I've always been a liberal person so I never wanted her or Rudd in there in the first place!! The sooner the election, the sooner labor is out! They have screwed it up for them selves this time and it will take MANY elections until they win again...
WOO HOO I say!!
SO, WHAT’S YOUR IDEA OF SEXY?
Tall, dark, muscley (sport muscle not body builder/security guard muscle) handsome, well dressed, clean-ish cut man is damn bloody sexy to me!!! Someone like Ryan Reynolds (actor) and/or James Roberts (swimmer (to young though!)) are the type I LOOOOOOOVE to look at!! Oh wait… I should say my partner too!!
A man that has confidence, not arrogant or cocky, but proud of who and what they are and carry themselves well. Great smile and laugh with a cheeky wink will always get me!
I think woman are sexy when they dress well, leaving some things to the imagination and also have that confidence to go with it
SPORT. WHO ARE YOU CHEERING FOR?
It is a big weekend of footy coming up while i'll be stuck on a plane flying to Europe via the US!
Being a Manly Sea Eagles Angle, I obviously go for Manly when it comes to NRL. I do like AFL too and of cause, go for Sydney Swans!
There are so many other cool sports out there these days. I'm much more interested in extreme sports, probably because I still compete in one!!
I love the new summer sport of BMX, much like what I do (SkierX). It would be cool to see more amature sports on TV. I guess this would help those sports become professional. Professional and Elite athletes are on the same playing field so to speak but only the professionals make a living!
I do love my Olympic sports, that's what get me up and cheering!
YOUTH, ALCOHOL & SEX. WHAT’S THE RIGHT MIX?
This has been an issue since I can remember and it doens't seem to get any better...
Yes, young people (and old!!) like to numb them selves from life on the weekends, some more than others. Instead of closing bars early, I feel we shoud do what the Norwedgen's do and only sell wine and beer to under 21's and only sell beer and wine after 1pm... Sending drunks out onto the streets at 2pm because it's closing time will only cause more trouble then good.
Yes, we've all made mistakes in life in many ways... I have MANY regrets but I have learnt a hec of a lot from them and wouldn't be who I am today if I didn't make those mistakes.
You should always look after your friends when your out and if you see something happening that doens't look right, then step in or get someone else to if you feel it's unsafe.
I've never had any problems with police, bouncers, guys or girls when I've been out but I have heard many stories! Just be smart, alcohol can get you in to trouble if you have a mouth that runs free!
IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL, WHERE WOULD YOU GO?
I know there are many places that would be cool to go back and see but honestly.... I'd have to say I'd go back to when I was 18 and start all over again!!!
People say "I have no regrets" but I think that's bull s#*t! I have many. Yes, I have learnt from them and I wouldn't be the amazing person I am today if I hadn't made those mistakes but I do regret some of the decisions I've made........
If I could go back and do it all again, I would jump at the chance, as long as I would be able to hold onto all the knowledge that I know today!!! That way I could make new mistakes, maybe not as big but when I turned 33 again, I would know I made better choices for myself and be an even more amazing person!!!!!
WHAT ARE THE BRANDS THAT MADE US AUSTRALIAN?
Jatz is what my mum snacked on over a cup of bushells, she still does to date!
We used to eat those pillow (fruit stuffed) biscuits and gollywogs (which I’m sure today they don’t exist because it a little racist).
I remember the milk truck deliveries, the glass bottles with foil lids that you had to cover with plastic cups to stop the bloody magpies getting to the milk first!
I was at a BBQ in the park once and a Kookaburra swooped down and stole a WHOLE steak!!
Other than that, Vegemite is the only other thing that comes to mind. I’m a Vegemite whore! I have it on almost everything and everyday. I get the strangest looks and comment when ordering a takeaway coffee and raisin toast with butter and “vegemite”! I am even know to eat it out of the jar when hungry at night and need a salt fix! I used to put it on my lips like lipstick and lick it off… strange I know!
WHAT’S YOUR MOST-TREASURED COOKBOOK?
In the past few years it's been all about Donna Hay for me! Great recipies.
I like to cook but not all the time. I don't like cooking for myself but do like entertaining.
If I have to go back in time, I'd have to say the Women's Day children's cook book!! My mum used to make them for me and my sister every birthday, it has been around for years. I love CAKE, espcially cup cakes and I love making the icing and decorations!! So much fun and so yummy!
DO YOU SUPPORT VOLUNTARY EUTHANASIA?
I think this subject will raise a lot of arguments! There are many people that will feel strongly one way of another....
For me, I am strongly all for it. If you have the power and the right to put down your own pet because it's suffering from an illness which it will eventually die from anyway, you chose to end the suffering that it is going through because you feel its cruel.... For me I think, what is the difference in humans??
If I am suffering from cancer or an illness that I am going to die from anyway, I hope that I have the right to choose, once I reach a state of pain that is unbearable, that I should have the right to say when it's time.
I don't think it would be ok to find out you are going to die from a terrible disease or illness and be allowed to end life right there and then. There would definitely have to he rules... such as a doctor's word on top of yours, that you are at a stage of suffering and it would be cruel to keep life going.
It’s always going to be hard for the family and friends, they will always argue against you "putting yourself down" because they will want to spend every last minute with you and losing someone is hard, scary and devastating... but is that fair??
That is my argument. Sorry to upset anyone... it's just how I feel.
MY FIRST CAR…
because i'm not that old, i'll probably sound a little boring!!
My first car was a Hyundai Excel... a 1995 model!! My mum helped me buy it because I didn't have enough money. Good old mum!
I was an independent women, well, girl I should say, from a very young age! I travelled overseas with out my parents from the age of 12 for 2-6 months at a time.
I did steal my sister car when she was away so I didn't have to walk to school! I stalled it on day at the bottom of the hill and freaked out because I thought i'd get busted when my parents go home.... I eventually figured out that you can start a car in anything except P or N!!!!
While everyone usually gets their first car in Y12 and drive there friends around, I was usually off overseas competing!
I missed out on all the fun stuff, well, that's what I thought at the time... I now know I didn't miss out on anything because I was out travelling the world doing and seeing things that some of my friends will never get to see...
WHAT’S THE ONE TALENT YOU WISH YOU HAD?
I wish I could sing! I think it would be so cool to be a pop/rock star!! The adrenalin you'd get from doing a live concert, how awesome!!
Unfortunately though, I SUCK! Although, after a few "lemonades" I think I am a rock star when taking control over any karaoke venue!
SO, CHRISTMAS… WHERE ARE YOU UP TO?
Christmas.... what is that!?!?!
In the past 20 years, I have had 4 Christmas's, well.... at home anyway.
I'm usualy in Europe training and competing so no tree, no presents, sometimes a lunch or dinner but that's usually it!!!
I loooooooong for the day I can organise a family lunch at my house where we sit down and unrap presents, eat lots of food and drink lots of wine!!!
I guess on the upside, I do get a white christmas but it would be nice to be sitting on the beach at home too!! one day!
WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS?
The old saying... be careful what you wish for...!!!
I would LOVE to be home with my family and friends. I have spent 4 Christmas at home in 20 years!!!!
I can't complain really, I do chosoe to be away... sort of!
Being a winter athlete, means you spend your life travelling from winter to winter. It's VERY expensive to fly home at this time of year and also a LONG way from Europe!!
If I was at home... that would mean I was injured so not a good thing! As much as I’d love to be there.... I don't want to be injured!!!
Besides from that, I think the older you get, the more content you are with life and who you are and everyone else’s happiness is enough :-)
Merry Christmas to all
WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR 2012?
I like what Marina said about what John Lennon wanted 40 years ago: "War is over, if you want it..."! Very true!
For my fam and friends - health and happiness
For me - for my health issues to finally be over so I can get super fit and strong to be more successful in my sport.
This will bring me happiness if all above comes true!!
All the very best to you all in the New Year
DINNER FOR SIX, WHO WOULD YOU INVITE?
I'd have to say I'd be boring at this one... well, maybe to you but it would be a perfect night for me!!
Matt (my boyfriend cause he's the best fun!)
Ryan Reynolds (actor - cause he's hot!)
Kate Henderson (a close friend who I never see!)
My grandpa (who passed away a while ago, he had some great stories)
Nathan Leard (an ex that also passed away)
WHEN WERE YOU THE ‘HEIGHT OF FASHION’?
I was into fashion when I was a young teenager. I loved drawing so used to draw models in my 'fashion line'!! I thought I was pretty good!! I have a good creative side but found that it's also tough to be creative EVERY day which made me lose interest.
I definitely didn't dress like I was into fashion! Being an athlete you basically live in sweaty training cloths!!
WHAT I EAT WHEN NO-ONE’S WATCHING
A scoop of peanut butter out of the jar! Sometimes I mix it with a little vegemite :-)
SEEN ANY GOOD MOVIES LATELY?
I went and saw two movies this week!!! I saw "This Means War" and "The Vow".
Yep, I was in girlie flick mood!! This Means War only got 1 star out of 5 but i'm sure a guy must have rated it. I liked it, easy to watch and funny. I would have given it 3 stars.
The Vow was also good, easy watching :-)
WHAT WAS THE BEST THING YOU EVER GAVE UP?
What haven't I given up!!! As an athlete you give up a lot but at the same time you also have a life like no other which I think weights it all up.
I did however, give up alcohol and cafeine for 6 months last year! Giving up the coffee's was harder than alcohol (I only drank at social events and no more than 2-3 wines, most of the time!!). I drink coffee once a week now just for a social thing... I don't like the buzz it gives me anymore!
I drink on average, one glass a week now and feel much better. I do slip at BBQ's and wake up feeling average but that happens about once every 3 months!
WHAT’S YOUR POP CULTURE FAIL?
Star Wars...!! Never really was into space movies, never had an interested in watching them but I have been a little curious at times but not curious enough to sit down and watch them!!
WHAT WAS I THINKING?
I definitely did some things that I do look at and think "what was I thinking" but I guess that's part of growing up. I used to hitchhike home late at night, alone, after being out (dumb, I know) but nothing like Sarah!!!
You think you're invisible!! Most are luck to come out alive but some are not...
I do look back and wish I could live my younger years again so yes, I do wish I could do most of it all over again :-)
WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST DINNER PARTY DISASTER?
To be honest, I haven't had a disaster yet!! Although, I also haven't had that many dinner parties either! Because i'm not around in AUS often at the moment because of my sporting career, where I live isn't really the best place for entertaining.... But I do dream of a nice place one day where I can entertain and have my first disaster experience ;-)
THINGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME
Mum taught me many things but one that comes to mind is manners, table manners especially!
It used to bug the hell out of me but now that i'm older, I can actually appreciate it! It's very frustrating to eating dinner with someone how has NO manners!!
My kids will find me frustrating too but I know they'll appreciated it too one day.... I hope!!
WHAT’S THE BEST THING YOU DO FOR YOUR HEALTH EVERY DAY?
Mostly fitness but I don't do it for my health, I do it for my sport!! I hope when I retired from sport that I keep up fitness but and wanting to do it for my health....
My aim in life is to be happy, if i'm not, then I WILL change something so that I am. I don't want to just plod along in life, get stuck in a rut, I see it happen way to often. If you're not happy, then you're not living life the way you should be so change what is pulling you down.
THE SMELLS THAT MAKE ME REMEMBER…
new books (just like it), the smell of something new made from plastic (reminds me of childhood and christmas!), chlorine pools (my swimming days), fresh summer salt water air coming from the waves breaking on the beach, men's cologne (takes me all sorts of places!), garlic cooking (yum), bread, cakes or cookies baking (double yum), fresh bleach bathroom (fresh and clean)... hmmmmmmm, that's it I think from off the top of my head!
THE LAST QUEEN OF AUSTRALIA?
I don't think we should be a republic at all for two reasons....
1. Can you imagine if we had someone like Rudd or Gillard as our President... OMG! What a disaster it would be. They can't even run the country as it is...
2. Yes, we may be all grown up and a country of our own but don't forget where we come from, I think people want to forget history and not honor it. It's nice that we are all linked, isn't that want it's all about today... working together, being one?
Anyway, this is one of those topics, like talking politics!! No one will ever agree as everyone is strong about their believes blah blah
LOVED THE BOOK, HATED THE MOVIE!
I haven't been a HUGE book reader! I did read all of the Harry Potter books, I didn't hate the movies, that's a pretty strong word. The books were more involved but they still did a great job considering the short time frame they have to play a movie
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
Unfortunately.... McDonalds!! I have nothing else to say haha!!
CAN JULIA GO THE DISTANCE?
I think it would be embarrasing for Labor to have a new leader after all they have been through!
Does it really matter? We all know Labor are gone after next election.
They will be doing everything in there power in the next year to win Australia back... what tricks will they try I wonder!?
WHEN I TURNED INTO MY MOTHER…
Only at random times, I try hard not be her!! She is the best mum ever but I still don't want to turn into her! I know I'm fighting a losing battle!
MY FAVOURITE CHILDREN’S BOOK CHARACTERS
Sadly I didn’t read books… My mum used to read to me which was nice. I was a slow learner/reader so didn’t like to do what I wasn’t good at. I am still a slow reader so I do like to read easy to read books but would much prefer to put the movie on!!
ARE YOU A TECHNO-JUNKIE?
What is exciting is that my phone contact runs out next April so by the time I get home from competing overseas, i'll be going straight to Telstra to pick up my new iPhone 5!
Yep, love the latest and greatest tech stuff. always wanting better! I don't always buy the latest, I do wait until I can justify it to myself to lash out but I certainly don't wait for things to break!
A LETTER TO OUR NATION’S LEADERS
For me it would be more support for our elite athletes. An income of some type, even to just help wtih food and rent costs would be HUGE.
We get great support through the sporting government towards our programs but are then left to defend ourselves once at home. Not being able to keep up with bills, rent, etc puts even more stress on us.
It's a tough life but one I enjoy it very much. I have been doing sport for 22 years now, i'm not complaining, as it's always been this way, it would just be nice to have some support towards living so we can train properly :-)
HOW DID YOU GO IN YOUR EXAMS?
Blaaaaaahhhhhhh!!! I hated exams! I was never very good in school anyway and definitely didn't feel the same as Maggie and Lisa as an elite athlete.
The reason I was so good at sport was because I wasn't so good at school! I was better at sport and got made to feel good about myself. Teachers gave me a hard time in school which made me feel crap and obviously I found it harder to learn.
I struggled even more in exams especially in Maths! I did the exercises well in class but always forgot which why to work them out in the exam!! Lucky for me, I wont be in any job where Math's is the main part (or is that lucky you!?!)
I didn't sit my HSC, I only did my SC (Y10). I had to drop out to purse my sporting career and that was fine by me!
There are other ways to make a career in life if you choose not to go all the way through school or Uni. You will find your feet eventually.
I now study at Uni and get distinctions which i'm pretty chuffed about since I never passed anything at school.
HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR BODY AND MIND STRONG?
Body - I do loads of different types of lifting weights, I need to for my sport. I'm very strong and powerful. I also do lots of intervals, circuits, running, swimming, biking, surfing etc. I think I would do most of this even if I wasn't still competing, I like to keep fit :-)
Mind - I can be a bit slake at times! I do study online through Open University so I'm learning all the time. I'm not much of a reader but do do Sudoku puzzles on the plane to kill some time! I also blog on a few websites which I enjoy. I'm very creative so I work a lot of thinking up new ideas, ways etc to market myself for skiing!
Body and Mind - I also take a lot of supplements. They help the brain and body. I only take them for 3 months, go off them and back on for 3 months etc. It take your body 3 months to reset taking the vitamins but you also don't want your body to get immune to them so stopping for 3 months is perfect for that. I take things like Omega 3, Vitamine E, Protein shakes, Cuma Cuma and the list goes on! It's expensive, but I don't get sick anymore and feel amazing :-)