If you’re looking for female role models in sport, you need to look no further then Clara Hughes. She’s awesome! If you need convincing, you should read her “race report” for her gold medal performance in Torino here.

Last weekend I watched Clara win a silver medal in the World Championships, right here in Richmond. Congratulations, Clara!

Her race was awesome to watch in person. The finish was especially exciting as her lap times dropped. The longer distances in speed skating (5k, 10k) are very strategic. Pacing is key. If you pace well, you finish strong and win. If not, you explode. Clara finished strong.

Apparently, when she competes in Europe, she sometimes likes to pretend that the crazy Dutch fans are routing for her. But today, skating at home, it was different – and you could tell that Clara was moved by the support.

“Today it absolutely, emphatically was for me – for Canada – and it felt great,” the Olympic gold medallist said after winning a silver medal in the ladies’ 5000m
full article here

The skaters are going so fast when they finish that they glide around the track when they’re done. It took her a few laps to slow down, and as she skated the fans (me included) cheered like crazy. I was jumping up and down – and yelling right at her. You could tell that she really enjoyed the moment, and that her goal of skating well at home was really important to her.

The happy look on her face conveyed two reactions: 1) how important it is to celebrate when you reach your goals and 2) how overwhelming it can be when you realize how much support you’ve had along the way. I loved her happy and overwhelmed smile. Her response brought a quick tear to my eye. For me, she’s what amateur sport it all about.

Clara, you’re my hero!