Featured Curling Athlete: Anne Hibberd

Transplanted Australian Anne Hibberd has found a home in Canada – on the curling ice in Calgary, Alberta. Hibberd, winner of six Alberta Provincial Wheelchair Curling Championships, competed at the 2011 Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championship in Edmonton where she and her teammates from the Garrison Curling Club in Calgary – including skip Bruno Yizek, third Jack Smart, and lead Bridget Wilson – made it to the final game against Team Manitoba, winning the silver medal, a repeat of their 2007 performance. An active member of the wheelchair curling community, Hibberd has served as president of the Calgary Wheelchair Curling Association since its inception in 2005. And like any athlete, she knows her accomplishments in the sport are only part of the picture. Her other major accomplishment? “My family,” she says, “both immediate and extended. Since my injury in 1994, I have married and raised two fabulous sons. Without all their love and support, my curling accomplishments would not have been possible.”   Birthplace:  Sydney, Australia Hometown:  Calgary Curling Club:  Garrison Curling Club Current Team:  Team Yizek Position:  Second Delivery:  Right Quick Hits with Anne Hibberd Do you have any superstitions? “NO” Three people, living or not, whom you would invite to a dinner party. “Sarah Ferguson, Hugh Jackman, and my grandma who died when I was very young.” If you could be a star any other sport, what would it be, and why? “Swimming, growing up in Australia most of my childhood was spent in a pool.” If you could change any rule in curling, which one would it be, and why? “Eligibility rule – needs to be more defined regarding levels of disability.” What music do you like to listen to before a game? “Rock, as we listen to tunes as a team for inspiration and to lighten the mood.” Favourite: … Website?  “Facebook, because with the touch of a button you can connect with family and friends, anywhere in the world.” … Order from Tim Hortons?  “Love Iced Caps in the summertime.” … Vacation destination?  “Anywhere palm trees grow! Sand, Sun and Surf for me.” … Junk food?  “Savoury, not sweet – Chips ‘n Dip etc.” Do you have any pet peeves (and you are NOT allowed to say “filling out questionnaires!”)? “The lack of common sense in today’s society.” Three things you always travel with? “St. Christopher medal, given to me by my father when I got my driver’s license. Sunglasses, a must for someone with light colored eyes. My favorite warm cozy slippers.” First thing on your Bucket List? “I don’t have a bucket list.” Favourite pastime between draws? “Find a quiet corner with my team, and watch the other games on the ice.” One thing most people don’t know about you? “I love road trips. You can’t beat rolling down the highway or cruising thru the countryside in the summertime. Canada has some awesome scenery.” What is the biggest misconception about curlers? “That we are all old.” Your ideal shot to win an Olympic gold medal: “Draw to the button.”