Jennifer Jones: A Champion's New Chapter

After a thrilling career crowned by an Olympic gold medal, Jennifer Jones, the renowned curling champion, bids farewell to competitive curling, but she’s not stepping away from the sport. Following her final appearance at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in 2024, Jones has shifted her focus while still keeping her passion for curling alive.

Life After Curling: Balancing Family, Broadcasting, and the Ice

"I compete in mixed doubles with my husband Brent, who is also a champion in the sport," Jones shared in an exclusive interview with Yahoo Canada. Now residing in Lethbridge, Alberta, she balances family life with her roles as a broadcaster for Sportsnet, motivational speaker, and consultant for The Curling Group, actively championing the global growth of curling. "I still do a bit of coaching too," she added.

Behind the Scenes: Sacrifices of an Elite Athlete

Reflecting on her past, Jones emphasized the sacrifices required to pursue excellence. "As curlers, we juggled full-time jobs. For me, that was as a corporate lawyer. I spent countless holidays at the curling rink, and this year will be my first Thanksgiving away from competing in 30 years!" Jones noted that maintaining a balance was challenging but rewarding.

The Future of Curling: Could Coaching Be in the Cards?

Asking about her future in coaching, Jones revealed, "I’ve coached a Canadian championship team that won last year, but right now, it would mean too much travel, which conflicts with family time. My husband is also coaching a team vying for the Olympics. Maybe when our daughters are older, we can coach them together!"

Fitness and Family: A Balanced Lifestyle

Surprisingly, Jones feels even more fit in retirement. "I’m still hitting the gym and eating well. This year, I’ll also compete in mixed doubles, so staying in shape is essential!" Beyond curling, she shines as the vice president of Princess Auto and enjoys quality downtime at their cottage and family movie nights.

A Game Evolving: Women's Curling Takes Center Stage

Jones is proud of the progress women’s curling has made, stating, "When I started, women didn’t receive the same exposure or prize money as men. Now, our rewards are equal, and TV coverage has significantly improved visibility for female curlers. I’m grateful to have been part of this evolution. It’s thrilling to see the sport grow!"

Cherishing Memories and Family Time

While Jones misses the thrill of competition, she admits, "I thought I would long for the game more, but I’ve found happiness watching my family curl instead. I still cherish the sport—its essence is woven into my life. Broadcasting allows me to remain connected to curling, helping to grow its global community, making my transition from the ice to the mic truly fulfilling."