When Jennifer Baxter steps onto the curling ice, it serves as a therapeutic escape from the challenges in her life. As a member of the Christina Black team, Baxter, 38, will represent Nova Scotia at the Canadian Olympic trials in Halifax, commencing this Saturday.
The absence of Nova Scotia’s men’s team in the competition places the responsibility of being the first team from the province to potentially compete in Olympic curling solely on Team Black. Eight men’s and eight women’s teams will vie for a spot in the upcoming Olympics in Italy, starting on February 6.
By day, Baxter works as a learning center teacher with the Halifax Regional Centre for Education. Unlike some elite curlers who can work remotely while traveling, Baxter must take time off work, resulting in a loss of income. To alleviate her travel burden, the team recruited a fifth member, Marlee Powers.
Baxter’s daily routine involves leaving home at 8 a.m. and returning no earlier than 7 p.m., dedicating her evenings to training with the team. This demanding schedule is further complicated by personal challenges, including her marriage three years ago, her struggle with infertility, and the recent passing of her father while she competed in the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.
Despite the sacrifices and hardships, Baxter finds competitive curling indispensable. She views the ice as a sanctuary where she can momentarily set aside life’s troubles, focusing solely on the sport and her team. Ranked fourth in the women’s field, Team Black is determined to compete fiercely, with skip Christina Black emphasizing their relentless work ethic and dedication.
The team’s previous success includes a bronze medal at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts this year. With the upcoming Olympic trials in their hometown, Black and Baxter are optimistic about the support from the local crowd. However, their focus remains on winning and embracing the curling rink as a temporary escape from reality.
Having clinched gold in the 2024 Canadian Mixed Curling Championship, Baxter is eager to represent Canada on the world stage. Despite the cancellation of the world championship due to the upcoming Olympics, Baxter remains determined to wear the Canadian flag proudly.
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