An Olympic Inspiration for Woodbury

Although it was a frigid evening outdoors, it was toasty warm inside with lots of health and wellness activities happening during the Family Fitness Fest Monday night at .

The keynote speaker was Olympic athlete Carrie Tollefson, who warmed the crowds with her smile and energy. Tollefson competed in the 1500-meter track event in the 2004 Olympics and shared some words of wisdom with athletes of all ages.

“The one piece of advice I’d like to share with young athletes is to persevere through the good and the bad, because that’s what it takes in athletics, and in life,” said Tollefson. “You’ll have great games and bad ones, but the champions are the ones who keep coming back after illness, injury or bad losses, and see the glass as half full.”

Tollefson said she enjoys relaying the fitness message to kids, particularly at events like Family Fitness Fest: “Participating in athletics is not only a great way to stay fit and give your body positive energy, but it also helps to build self-esteem and confidence in young kids."

“Kids need to understand to get the most from their bodies, they need to eat healthy foods,” said Tollefson. “My motto is ‘Get after it,’ as you never know what your body can do for you until you push it.”

When she was about 12 years old, she started running. At what point did Tollefson know she was a gifted runner? “My mom and dad saw it back when I was in elementary school,” she said.

“Ever since I was about 5 years old, I loved the thrill of competition, whether I was playing basketball or running,”said Tollefson. “I guess I didn’t really realize I’d be competing at a college level until I was in 10th or 11th grade.”

While Tollefson was injured and unable to compete in the 2008 Olympics, she said, “I believe I will compete in 2012.”

Jodi Witte, South Washington County Schools grant coordinator and one of the Family Fitness Fest organizers, said it's great to have a role model like Tollefson at the fest. Witte received a federal PEP grant to use in District 833. Her goal is to use this grant to help educate students to make healthier choices and combat obesity. 

“Family Fitness Fest is a perfect opportunity to show off the many health and wellness tools that are available right here in our community,” said Witte.

Woodbury residents David Beissler and daughter Abbey, came out to meet and hear Tollefson speak. 

“I’m a runner and wanted to meet Carrie,” said Abbey, an all-conference runner at East Ridge. 

Abbey has dreams of competing at the college and Olympic level someday too, and hoped that Tollefson would offer up some running techniques and tips on how to be a better athlete.

What words of advice does Abbey have for young runners just getting started?

“Make sure you’re careful, don’t over do it and know your limits," she said.