Histoires vraies

Cindy Klassen

With the exception of a couple of World cup races and the World Single Distance Championships, speed skater Cindy Klassen missed most of the 2003/2004 season as a consequence of an accident that cut 12 tendons in her right arm. Eager to put that difficult year behind her, Cindy set her sights on the 2006 Olympic Games in Turin, Italy.

Although her 2006 Olympic achievement is top-of-mind for most Canadians, it's not the most memorable success for Cindy. That high point was when Cindy came 4th overall at the World Allround Speed Skating Championships in 2001. Says Cindy, "That was the defining moment where I really saw that I had potential to make it to the podium". And indeed she has made it to the podium on many occasions - 5 times at the Turin Olympics, once at the Salt Lake Olympics, and 16 times at various World Championships.

Cindy also has a favourite Olympic moment; winning Gold in the 1500 meter. "Everything came together that day and I skated as close to a perfect race as possible. It was even more special because my family was there to share the moment with me".

Family is vitally important to Cindy. "My mom is my mentor," she says. "She has always been someone I've looked up to. It seems that whenever I am struggling with something, she is the first person I confide in, and she always seems to have the answer! I hope I can follow in her steps with regards to her walk of faith and her wisdom."

Cindy seems to be following in her mother's footsteps when it comes to faith. When asked what role her faith plays in her life and career, Cindy is swift to say, "My faith in Christ is what grounds me. It is what my life is all about, and because of that I try to do everything for the glory of God. In my skating career, it is all for Him. He has given me this gift to speed skate and so to me it is a joy to train and compete to the best of my ability so that He can be lifted up".

With just days to go before the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Cindy and her team are training about five hours a day. Having had surgery on both of her knees during the last racing season, Cindy just wants to make it to the Olympics. But her legion of fans want much more than that - they want medals from their Olympic star. "I don't feel pressured by their expectations," says Cindy. "I think of the expectations as support.I know that the whole country is behind us and I try to use that as a boost instead of allowing it to make me anxious."

What does the future hold for this outstanding young Canadian? "I'm not sure what my future holds," says Cindy. "I'd like to go to Bible school once I finish speed skating, and I'd love to have a family one day, but it's all in God's hands and I'm excited to see what He has in store for me!"