What do Rebecca Dussault, a 2006 US Olympic skier, wife, and mother, and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, an Italian who lived during the beginning of the 20th century have in common? Their paths cross in some unusual ways.
The Turin Connection
Blessed Frassati was born in Turin, Italy and had a short but faithful life from 1901 to 1925. Declared Blessed in 1990 by Pope John Paul II, Bl. Frassati enjoyed sports and was an avid outdoorsman. His story continues to impact others, and recent Olympic competitor Rebecca Dussault credits him as her inspiration.
Rebecca makes her home in Gunnison, Colorado. She is an eight-time US National Champion, and a 2005 World Championship Team member. After years of racing, it was appropriate that when she reached the pinnacle of her goals by competing in the Olympics, they happened to be located in Turin, Italy, the hometown of Blessed Frassati.
I first heard of Rebecca while channel surfing in January 2006. She, along with her husband, Sharbel, were guests on EWTN’s Life On The Rock. So when I got the opportunity to interview her, I jumped at the chance. Below is a transcript of our conversation on March 14.
Tell us about the Olympics — were they what you expected?
Yes and no. The media attention was the biggest surprise. At first I was overwhelmed with the daily interviews. I spoke with reporters from all over, including the Washington Post and the Today Show. Each interview was an incredible opportunity to share Blessed Frassati’s story and promote devotion to him.
Were you a bit of a novelty to reporters?
Yes, for many reasons. First because I am married, which is rare for an athlete; second because I am a mother, another unusual characteristic; and finally for my faith. Journalists wanted to know how I handled balancing family and athletic life. Basically, my husband and son travel with me for all of my races, and although it can be difficult at times, it is also a blessing.
Do you feel that you reached your goals at the Olympics?
[Editor's note: Rebecca competed in three races. She placed 43rd in the Women’s 30 km Free, 14th in the Women’s 4×5 Relay, and 48th in the Women’s 15km Pursuit.] Yes, I feel like the whole family did. I wanted to finish in the top 20, but I did as well as I could. I’ve had health issues all year and since you can’t be sick for a 30km race, the Olympics were my best skiing all year. I was the top American in two out of my three races, and very happy with that.
The Gold of Devotion
I read a few interviews that mention you had a hard time as a Catholic teenager traveling in the world of competitive skiing. What advice would you give other athletes in similar situations?
Don’t be scared to live your faith. When I was young and went on my first trip I was hesitant to speak up and say that I wanted to go to Mass. When I stuck to it and showed that I lived my faith I got respect from my teammates.
How does your son, Tabor (4 years old), feel about you racing? Does he understand it?
Sharbel and I have really made an effort to talk to him and explain what is going on. He understands so much more than I realized. He knows that we would love to have another baby after the Olympics, and asks for a little sister. When Sharbel told him it was my last race in Turin, Tabor actually started to tear up.
You have a special devotion to Blessed Frassati; can you share a little more about that?
Originally I thought that Blessed Frassati would help me, that he would intercede and gain a miracle by helping me to win the gold. Instead, it became an opportunity for me to promote devotion to him.
I had the privilege of traveling to World Youth Day this summer and stopped by the Frassati summer home on the way there. About fourteen of us from the Frassati Society just rang the doorbell and his family invited us in. We met his sister Luciana, now 103 years old, and his niece Giovanna. His niece, Wanda, ended up inviting us to Rome after the games. We got to meet his family, and touch his crucifix and rosary. It was an amazing experience.
You met your husband at 11 and married at 19. Marrying your childhood sweetheart is so rare in our culture now. Do you have any relationship advice for our audience?
Sharbel and I are best friends. We spent a lot of time with our families, and knew each other well. There were few surprises once we got married. I would say not to rush things, take the time to get to know each other and your families, and marry your best friend. [While we were] growing up, his mom catechized us, so we grew in our faith together. We share a spiritual connection, and that is crucial.
The Truly Lasting Things
Am I correct that you have one more race coming up?
Yes, on March 19th I’ll be in the 50km California Gold Rush (Soda Springs, California), and I hope to win. [Editor's note: On Sunday March 19th, she placed 2nd overall and was first in her age division. Congratulations Rebecca!]
What are your plans for the future?
We have put off having a larger family for 2½ years and are looking forward to focusing on that now that the Olympic games are over. Although the secular aspect of an event like that is done, I am overwhelmed with the spiritual blessings that continue to come of it. This whole experience has just reinforced to me that faith and relationships are the truly lasting things in life. I am thankful for the incredible journey this has been.
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Kristen J. Panico is the Affiliate Program Manager for CatholicMatch.com. She resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
This article has been re-published with written authorization of Catholic Match, LLC.
