We got a chance to chat with former Winter Olympian figure skater Debi Thomas on her way to Vancouver.
Q: What is your fondest memory of competing in the Winter Olympics?
Having a performance where you have captured the audience, and feeding off of the energy it gives you when you are just "On" is the most satisfying feeling you can get when competing. Unfortunately, once you have experienced that type of performance, you want to have it every time, and I think that is why my Olympic free program went flat. I had built up in my mind that I wanted my Olympic free program to be the performance of my life, and when I two-footed my big opening triple-triple combination, I realized that it would be an impossibility. Had I known at the time that so many people were pulling for me, I would have fought a little harder for the rest of the performance. You hate for the Olympics to be a learning experience, but I did learn that no matter what happens, I should always strive to be the best that I can be even when things don't go as planned. As a surgeon, I have to always be prepared to deal with the unexpected, and be able to deliver an optimal outcome in the end.
Q: Was it difficult to retire? Do you still skate now?
It was emotional retiring, because I had a strong following of fans and I ended up really enjoying professional skating the last year that I did it, but I wouldn't say it was difficult. I was fulfilling a lifelong dream of going to medical school, so it was an exciting time in my life. I always knew I wanted to be a doctor, so leaving skating was the right thing to do at the time. I don't skate now, except for the occasional trip to a rink during Christmas vacation. The last time I skated was for the season opening of the outdoor rink at Millennium Park in Chicago where I did some promotional work for the Chicago 2016 Olympic bid. I would have to say my competition and performing days are over!
Q: Who’s your favorite to win in Vancouver?
I never try to predict winners, because there are so many talented skaters and anything can happen. I just hope that they all skate well and make it an enjoyable Games to watch. I think that the men's event will be exceptionally exciting if they all skate well, and I would hate to be a judge if that is the case.
Q: Debi, what type of mom are you?
I like to think I'm a good mom. I try to instill good values in my son, Luc (12), and encourage him to work hard and take pride in his accomplishments. One of the things I realized as a competitive athlete is that your best competition is yourself. If you don't strive to do your best, you're only hurting yourself. I encourage Luc to do what he loves and to live with integrity. To have empathy for those who don't have the same opportunities that he may have. And to reach out to others in need. I want to be the kind of Mom whom Luc can turn to if he ever needs advice or has a problem. He knows he can count on me to have his back in all situations.
Q: How do you try to achieve that ever-elusive work/self/motherhood balance?
It's not easy. I find that I never seem to have as much time as I'd like to spend with Luc, so I try to make the time that we do spent together count. Since I am in a new job that is an hour and a half away from where we live, it has been a challenge. I'm hoping that as I settle in things will become more efficient and give me more time to be at home. My patients' needs are very important to me, but my son's needs are even more important. If anything, the "self" part is what gets neglected. But when I do take a vacation, I find I can relax and enjoy myself and regenerate a little bit. It will never be a perfect balance, but I try not to let work interfere with my personal life as much as possible, especially when I'm with Luc.
Q: What special rituals do you have with your son Luc?
I don't really have any rituals so to speak. He generally ends up getting some sort of "mom talk" where I try to urge him to do things to better himself which are not necessarily things he wants to do like practice piano or read, but I also want him to have a balanced life and have time for things that he enjoys like watching SpongeBob and playing video games.
Q: What's the best piece of parenting advice you ever received?
Be supportive but never push. Be a good listener and try to figure out what motivates your child.
Q: What do you want Luc to remember most about his childhood?
I want him to remember that his parents were always there for him and had his best interests at heart. I want him to appreciate all of the opportunities he was given to be the best that he could be. He loves telling jokes and cutting up, so I want him to remember the laughter and the silliness. I want him to remember feeling safe and loved.
