I loved curling and I loved the social aspect of it, the team. It's like if you had the same golf foursome for a long time, or if you're a bridge player, or a beer-league hockey team. You start to look forward to that time together and camaraderie, and having something that you do just for yourself.
Colleen JonesIf you're lucky on a team, even if you're not sisters or brothers, you become such a family that you get that kind of open and honest relationship. Where the chemistry is great and even if tempers flare, you forgive each other. I was always looking for a sisterhood. You're not always lucky enough to get that magical chemistry, but you can't win without it.
Colleen JonesMy curling personality really had the killer instinct, compared to the real me. I kind of liken it to when a surgeon is going into the operating room and has to put his game face on. But in real life, he might be a charming guy to have a beer with. Everybody always told me that I had Maurice Richard eyes when I competed; that the intensity that was on my face was scary. But that was what I needed to bring when I stepped on the ice. And even to this day, when I get on the rink, that person comes out pretty quickly. My brain and body know that I'm going into battle.
Colleen JonesI don't have any regrets, really. What I got out of the sport was more than I ever dreamed was possible. We took some good runs at the Olympics, but the closest we got was third in the Canadian trials. But I can't ever say I regret that, because I loved the career we had. And for me, that was enough.
Colleen Jones