Georgia Simmerling with her Mazda CX-5

NewRoads is proud to be supporting Georgia on her way to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics

Georgia Simmerling is a Canadian Olympic athlete on her way to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics! Georgia made history at Rio 2016 by becoming the first Canadian athlete to compete in a different sport at each of three different Olympic Games. Competing in track cycling’s team pursuit, she helped Canada win its second straight Olympic bronze medal in the event for her first Olympic podium finish. It was just her fourth ever team pursuit race. We are excited to be working with Georgia this year!

[All Photos by: Nick Wammes]

11 questions with Georgia:

Hi Georgia! Tell us something unique about your self!

Hi! Hmm.. I grew up in a very athletic family, with three older brothers. I was being chased, or was chasing them to keep up, basically my entire childhood.

2. If you could switch roles for a day with anyone on the Canadian Olympic team, who would it be?

Good question… maybe Sidney Crosby to see the fame and what he goes through for a day.

3. What advice would you give to someone interested in getting into your sport or what would you say to inspire a young athlete today?

Those are two very different answers! The first, cycling is hard! You really just have to put in the work, the miles on the bike, but also there’s an incredible community around cycling, at ALL levels. I really noticed that when I first started. The second, I mean dream big. That sounds cliche, but it’s the reality. If you want to achieve something amazing in sport, work harder (okay, maybe the answers are more similar ;)) than everyone else, and dream big. You’ll surprise yourself with what it possible.

4. If you could witness any historical event, what would you pick?

I think witnessing Martin Luther King Jr in action in the 50s and 60s would be quite profound.

5. If you could dine with three people in the world (dead or alive), who would they be?

Mother Theresa, Joan of Arc, Martin Luther King Jr.

6. What motivated you to change your sport from Skiing to Cycling?

I wanted to achieve a goal of becoming a Summer Olympian. The idea sparked in my head and wouldn’t go away. So I committed to the goal and really was going to do whatever it took to achieve it. I mean, I enjoy cycling absolutely love my sport too, don’t get me wrong… 😉

7. What is the most challenging part of competing in the team pursuit event and how do you overcome those challenges?

When a team is fast, there’s a sense of ease and flow amongst the riders. Ironically, it feels less hard, and you go the fastest as a unit. That feeling is very hard to achieve and definitely doesn’t happen often.

8. Can you share one of your favourite memories from your athletic career with us?

Hmm.. There are a lot 🙂 Crossing the finish line with my teammates in Rio to win Bronze was a feeling I had never felt before. That was special and one I will truly never forget...

9. Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship?

The athletes and role models that came before me. I’ve stayed friends with lots of retired athletes and taken in many a wise word from them.

10. How did the Covid-19 pandemic effect your journey to the Olympics? What is your message of hope that got you through?

It was challenging for sure. I’m coming to the end of my career, and to continue on a whole another year was mentally challenging. But, after processing it, I came to another outlook, one of excitement and optimism and with no regrets, rather than just going through the motions. It’s rare we have a second chance at a last year, and I’m making the most of mine. I think my message to those who may not be a high performance athlete is the same. What can you do in this time that you couldn’t do before? What can you do better? What can you change? Your mentality or outlook towards certain things? Is there something you want to start but never got around to do? Time is precious, don’t waste it and live your life to it’s fullest.

11. Last but not least: What is your favourite part about driving the 2021 Mazda CX-5?

I love it! It’s classy as! I feel like a BOSS driving it. It drives incredibly smooth, and also is very spacious inside.

Go get 'em in Tokyo Georgia!