Cindy Klassen
Cindy Klassen
Cindy Klassen, OMis a retired Canadian long track speed skater. She is a six-time medalist having achieved one gold, two silver, three bronze at the Winter Olympics. Klassen is tied with Clara Hughes for Canada's all-time most decorated Olympian with six medals each. Both Klassen and Hughes are from Winnipeg...
ProfessionSpeed Skater
Date of Birth12 August 1979
basically enjoy hate hit lap last learned pace race starting taught
I used to hate the 1,500 because you basically have to pace yourself and the last lap is so hard. It's like you've hit a wall. But I learned to really enjoy it now. I learned a lot from Neal. He taught me how to race it differently, too, so I'm starting to really enjoy that race.
attention face maybe nice people staring weird
It was very nice of them, but it's weird having attention like that because I'm just not used to it. Sometimes, people will be staring and I'll think, 'Why are they staring at me? Maybe there's something on my face or something.' It is all kind of strange.
corner finish home last mind racing stay stretch strong technique
Racing down the last corner and going down the home stretch I thought in mind that Anni could come by me at any point. I just wanted to stay together, keep my technique strong and finish strong.
canadian games olympic represent successful team truly winter
I was truly overwhelmed to represent the most successful Canadian Olympic Winter Games team ever.
excited motivated race strong
I was excited to race her because she is such a strong skater. It really motivated me to do well.
community entire felt great happy home strong support throughout
I'm so happy to be home right now. Winnipeg is such a great city. It's such a strong community and I felt the support throughout the whole entire Games.
awesome both canadian describe dream flags special
That was incredible. It's something you always dream of. Having two Canadian flags up there was a really special feeling. It was so awesome to have both of us up there. I can't describe it.
great lit
She went out and just lit it up. She had a great race.
bad felt gold great happen special win
I felt really bad for her after the 500. You never want to see that happen with any skater. She's a great athlete. It's really special for her to win this gold medal.
almost close coming feels finishing fourth gives next terrible time verge
Finishing fourth, you're almost there, you've almost got a medal. I think going into the next Games, it gives you confidence. Coming fourth feels terrible at the time because you're on the verge of getting a medal. But you also know you're so close that you can do it.
anxious awesome longest sleep trip
It's awesome to be home. It was the longest trip I've been on - I'm just anxious to sleep in my own bed.
both lives races skated
We both skated the races of our lives today.
team athlete successful
I am honored to be selected as Canada's flag bearer for the closing ceremony of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games. Over the past 16 days we've had some outstanding performances by Canadian athletes and it is truly overwhelming to be selected as the flag bearer amidst the most successful Canadian Olympic Winter Games team ever.
sports thinking people
I've won a medal, but that's nothing compared to the crown I'll get in Heaven. I see a lot of people in sports who think when they reach a certain level they've got it made, but really, you can only find happiness in the Lord.