Cindy Klassen is a 6 time Olympic medalist in the sport of speed skating, she is Canada’s Olympic star!
At the 2006 Olympic Winter Games, she became the first Canadian to win five medals at a single Winter Olympics. She won Gold in the 1500m, Silver in the 1000m, Silver in the Team Pursuit, Bronze in the 5000m and Bronze in the 3000m. Cindy also captured an Olympic Bronze medal in 2002 making her the most decorated Canadian Olympic athlete in history, with a total of six Olympic medals.
Building on the momentum of her 2002 Olympic success, Cindy put together one of the finest seasons ever by a Canadian athlete on the World Cup speed skating circuit. She became the first Canadian in 27 years to win the overall title at the 2003 World Allround Speed Skating Championships. A month earlier, she finished second overall at the World Sprint Championships – despite not being considered a speed skating “sprinter”. It was the first time in 15 years that a skater had won overall medals at both events in the same year. Cindy capped off a remarkable year by clinching the 1500m World Cup Title.
Cindy Klassen knows the feeling of both heartbreak and success.
After the disappointment of missing the Olympic team in 1998. Cindy instilled a new drive within her. Determined to chase her Olympic dream, Cindy overcame the odds and qualified for Team Canada in 2002.
Through injuries, achievement, setbacks and personal tragedy. Cindy has learned what it takes to dream big and remain positive in all circumstances.
Before Cindy was hooked by speed skating, she showed promise in a number of other sports. She competed for Canada in In-line Skating at the 1999 PanAm Games and before that was a member of Canada’s National Junior Women’s Hockey Team in 1996. As a 15 year old, Cindy competed for Canada at the 1994 Commonwealth Games as a member of the women’s Field Lacrosse Team.
After retiring from speed skating, Cindy felt driven to give back to her community and currently works as a police officer in the city of Calgary.
Discover the tools and mindset that helped Cindy reach the podium at the Olympics and enabled her to persevere through trials along the way. Hear how Cindy continues to use these principles as she transitioned from a life on the ice to life working the streets as a police officer. Gain insight on how to dream big, remain positive and enjoy the journey.