Olympic gold medalist set to showcase new memoir at sold-out event

CTV News Barrie sits down with Jennifer Jones, Olympian and author for national bestselling memoir, Rock Star: My Life On and Off the Ice.

Readers and curlers are coming together from all around for a special evening.

Recognized as one of the greatest curlers of all time, Olympic gold medalist Jennifer Jones will be discussing her life on and off the ice at a sold-out event in Barrie.

Presented by the Barrie Public Library, An Evening with Jennifer Jones will focus on the Olympian and author sharing not only her curling accomplishments but her academic achievements, which she documents in her national bestselling memoir Rock Star: My Life On and Off the Ice.

In the book, she opens up about how she managed to complete law school while curling at a professional level, internal struggles with the juxtaposition of her introversion and constantly being in the limelight, and the moment that nearly ended her career.

The library says the discussion will be followed by a question and answer period and the opportunity for the public to purchase her book and get it signed.

“We’re so excited to welcome Jennifer Jones and give our community the chance to hear her incredible story — both as a curler and as a woman in leadership,” said Barrie Public Library Chief Executive Officer Lauren Jessop.

“This is our second author talk of the year, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to host a Canadian icon and a local household name. Whether you love curling or just enjoy a great conversation, it’s going to be a really special evening.”

The event is happening on Nov. 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Southshore Centre.

Jennifer Jones won gold at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. She also claimed six national titles, two world championships, and 16 Grand Slam victories. Throughout her storied career, she has advocated for women’s equality in curling, in what has traditionally been a male-dominated sport. While off the ice, she’s a lawyer, wife, and mother. The iconic Canadian curler lives in the Horseshoe Valley area.