Clara Hughes
Encyclopedia
Clara Hughes, OC
, OM
(born September 27, 1972) is a Canadian
cyclist
and speed skater
, and has won multiple Olympic
medal
s in both sports. Hughes won two bronze in the Summer Olympics in 1996
and four medals (one gold, one silver, two bronze) over the course of three Winter Olympics. She is tied with fellow Winnipeger Cindy Klassen
as the Canadian with the most Olympic medals; though Klassen won all of hers in Winter Olympic events.
Hughes started speed skating at the age of 16, she then took up the sport of cycling at the age of 17. She would eventually return to the sport of speed skating at the age of 28, after achieving her success in Atlanta. With her experience and endurance earned through cycling, Hughes would then go on to a successful career competing in the 3,000 m and 5,000 m. This would eventually lead her to medal in these long distance events at the Winter Olympics. In winning both Summer and Winter Olympic medals she is one of only five people to have won medals in both versions of the games, and is the only person ever to have won multiple medals in both. Hughes is also the first and only Canadian to have won medals in both the Summer and Winter Olympics.
As a result of her success in multiple sports and her humanitarian efforts, Hughes was named to both the Order of Manitoba
and as an Officer of the Order of Canada. She is involved with Right To Play
, which is an athlete-driven international humanitarian organization that uses sports to encourage the development of youth in disadvantaged areas. After winning her gold medal in 2006, she donated $10,000 to Right to Play.
Throughout her career Hughes received a number of other awards, trophies, and accolades. She was named Female Athlete of the Year by Speed Skating Canada in 2004 for long track. In 2006 she received the International Olympic Committee
's Sport and Community Trophy. She was then named to the 2006 List of Most Influential Women in Sport and Physical Activity by the Canadian Association for Advancement of Women and Sport (CAAWS). In the summer of the year 2010, it was announced that she would receive a star on the Canadian Walk of Fame and on 15 November 2010, she was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame
. Hughes currently lives in Glen Sutton, Quebec.
, and is a graduate of Elmwood High School. In an interview on CBC radio
show DNTO, Hughes reveals that as a youth, she smoked cigarettes and did not envision herself as an athlete. She was inspired to begin skating after witnessing Gaetan Boucher
at the 1988 Winter Olympics
. She started with speed skating, but in 1990 she moved to competitive cycling, competing in track cycling
and road cycling
.
at the 1995 World Cycling Championships (Time Trial).
She participated at the 1991
, 1995
, 1999, and 2003
Pan American Games
and won eight Pan American Games medals. Also competing in the 1990
, 1994
, and 2002 Commonwealth Games
, Hughes won gold
in the time trial and bronze
in the points race on the velodrome
.
Hughes participated in the 1996
and 2000 Summer Olympics
, winning two bronze medals at the 1996 Olympics
in Atlanta, in the individual road race and the individual time trial.
A four-time participant of the women's Tour de France
, Hughes has won the 1994 Women's Challenge
and the 1997 Liberty Classic
.
Hughes served as a commentator for cycling events for the CBC
's coverage of the 2008 Summer Olympics
in Beijing
.
In November 2010, she announced a comeback and wants to race at the 2012 Summer Olympics
.
At the 2011 Pan American Championships, Hughes won the individual time trial and road race, both by a big margin. In May 2011, she took first in the Tour of the Gila
, winning two stages. In July 2011, she took first in the inaugural Crusher in the Tushar.
In the 2000/2001 season, Hughes made a successful comeback to speed skating
, participating in the World Single Distance Championships
in Salt Lake City, where she finished 11th in the 3000 m.
The following season, she qualified for the 2002 Winter Olympics
. After placing 10th in the 3000 m, she won the bronze medal in the 5000 m, just ahead of compatriot Cindy Klassen
. With this, she became the second speed skater to win medals in the Summer and Winter Games — Christa Luding-Rothenburger won a gold in the 1000 m speed skating and silver in the 1000 m cycling sprint in 1988. She became the fourth person and second woman to win medals at the Summer and Winter Games. In 2006, she was the only Olympian to have won multiple medals at the Summer Games as well as at the Winter Games.
In 2006
, although she had not been asked, she announced she would not carry the Canadian flag during the opening ceremonies of the 2006 Winter Olympics
in Turin, Italy. At those Olympics, she won her first gold medal in the 5000 m and a silver medal
in the team pursuit as part of the Canadian team. She earned her fifth Olympic medal at the 2006 Games, tying the total all-time Canadian medal count record, also held by Marc Gagnon
and Phillip Edwards. Klassen set a new record in the same games, winning five medals in Turin, for a total of six.
Inspired by Joey Cheek
, who donated his gold medal bonus to Right to Play
, Hughes donated $10,000 of her own money to Right to Play
. after her 2006 gold medal win in the 5000 m. (Canada did not give out medal bonuses at the time).
Hughes was also a world record holder on 10,000 m track with 14:19.73 on 12 March 2005 on the Olympic Oval
in Calgary
, which was beaten by Martina Sáblíková
one year later. However, that time is still the Canadian record.
On January 29, 2010, she was announced as the Canadian Flag Bearer for the 2010 Winter Olympics
in Vancouver. During the games she won a bronze medal in the 5,000 metres
which was also the final Olympic race of her career. Her time of 6:55.73 became a new track record, though her time was soon beaten by Stephanie Beckert
of Germany and gold medalist Martina Sáblíková
of the Czech Republic. This brought her career medals total to six, tying teammate Cindy Klassen
as the Canadian athlete with the most medals.
Former World Record
, and in 2007, she was made an Officer of the Order of Canada
.
On May 23, 2008, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of Manitoba
.
In 2008 Clara was named an in motion Champion by the Province of Manitoba.
On February 12, 2010, she was the Canadian Olympic Team flag bearer for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games
in Vancouver
.
On April 7, 2010 she was made an officer of the Order of Canada
.
On June 8, 2010, it was announced that she would receive a star on Canada's Walk of Fame
.
On September 23, 2010 she received an honorary degree from the University of New Brunswick in a special Toronto ceremony
On November 15, 2010, Ms. Hughes was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame
.
Order of Canada
The Order of Canada is a Canadian national order, admission into which is, within the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada, the second highest honour for merit...
, OM
Order of Manitoba
The Order of Manitoba is a civilian honour for merit in the Canadian province of Manitoba. Instituted in 1999 when Lieutenant Governor Peter M...
(born September 27, 1972) is a Canadian
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
cyclist
Cycling
Cycling, also called bicycling or biking, is the use of bicycles for transport, recreation, or for sport. Persons engaged in cycling are cyclists or bicyclists...
and speed skater
Speed skating
Speed skating, or speedskating is a competitive form of ice skating in which the competitors race each other in traveling a certain distance on skates. Types of speed skating are long track speed skating, short track speed skating, and marathon speed skating...
, and has won multiple Olympic
Olympic Games
The Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
medal
Medal
A medal, or medallion, is generally a circular object that has been sculpted, molded, cast, struck, stamped, or some way rendered with an insignia, portrait, or other artistic rendering. A medal may be awarded to a person or organization as a form of recognition for athletic, military, scientific,...
s in both sports. Hughes won two bronze in the Summer Olympics in 1996
1996 Summer Olympics
The 1996 Summer Olympics of Atlanta, officially known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad and unofficially known as the Centennial Olympics, was an international multi-sport event which was celebrated in 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia, United States....
and four medals (one gold, one silver, two bronze) over the course of three Winter Olympics. She is tied with fellow Winnipeger Cindy Klassen
Cindy Klassen
Cindy Klassen, OM is a Canadian long track speed skater. Klassen is a six-time medalist at the Winter Olympics. She is tied with Clara Hughes for Canada's all-time most decorated Olympian with 6 medals each...
as the Canadian with the most Olympic medals; though Klassen won all of hers in Winter Olympic events.
Hughes started speed skating at the age of 16, she then took up the sport of cycling at the age of 17. She would eventually return to the sport of speed skating at the age of 28, after achieving her success in Atlanta. With her experience and endurance earned through cycling, Hughes would then go on to a successful career competing in the 3,000 m and 5,000 m. This would eventually lead her to medal in these long distance events at the Winter Olympics. In winning both Summer and Winter Olympic medals she is one of only five people to have won medals in both versions of the games, and is the only person ever to have won multiple medals in both. Hughes is also the first and only Canadian to have won medals in both the Summer and Winter Olympics.
As a result of her success in multiple sports and her humanitarian efforts, Hughes was named to both the Order of Manitoba
Order of Manitoba
The Order of Manitoba is a civilian honour for merit in the Canadian province of Manitoba. Instituted in 1999 when Lieutenant Governor Peter M...
and as an Officer of the Order of Canada. She is involved with Right To Play
Right to Play
Right To Play is an international humanitarian organization that uses sport and play programs to improve health, develop life skills, and foster peace for children and communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world...
, which is an athlete-driven international humanitarian organization that uses sports to encourage the development of youth in disadvantaged areas. After winning her gold medal in 2006, she donated $10,000 to Right to Play.
Throughout her career Hughes received a number of other awards, trophies, and accolades. She was named Female Athlete of the Year by Speed Skating Canada in 2004 for long track. In 2006 she received the International Olympic Committee
International Olympic Committee
The International Olympic Committee is an international corporation based in Lausanne, Switzerland, created by Pierre de Coubertin on 23 June 1894 with Demetrios Vikelas as its first president...
's Sport and Community Trophy. She was then named to the 2006 List of Most Influential Women in Sport and Physical Activity by the Canadian Association for Advancement of Women and Sport (CAAWS). In the summer of the year 2010, it was announced that she would receive a star on the Canadian Walk of Fame and on 15 November 2010, she was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame
Canada's Sports Hall of Fame
Canada's Sports Hall of Fame is a hall of fame established in 1955 to "preserve the record of Canadian sports achievements and to promote a greater awareness of Canada's heritage of sport." It is located at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, Alberta...
. Hughes currently lives in Glen Sutton, Quebec.
Career
Hughes was born in WinnipegWinnipeg
Winnipeg is the capital and largest city of Manitoba, Canada, and is the primary municipality of the Winnipeg Capital Region, with more than half of Manitoba's population. It is located near the longitudinal centre of North America, at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers .The name...
, and is a graduate of Elmwood High School. In an interview on CBC radio
CBC Radio
CBC Radio generally refers to the English-language radio operations of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The CBC operates a number of radio networks serving different audiences and programming niches, all of which are outlined below.-English:CBC Radio operates three English language...
show DNTO, Hughes reveals that as a youth, she smoked cigarettes and did not envision herself as an athlete. She was inspired to begin skating after witnessing Gaetan Boucher
Gaétan Boucher
Gaétan Boucher, OC, CQ is a former Speed skating Olympic champion from Canada.A four-time Olympic medalist, Boucher was awarded the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada's outstanding male athlete of 1984. He was named number 10 on the list of Canada's Athletes of the 20th Century...
at the 1988 Winter Olympics
1988 Winter Olympics
The 1988 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XV Olympic Winter Games, were a winter multi-sport event celebrated in and around Calgary, Alberta, Canada from 13 to 28 February 1988. The host was selected in 1981 after having beat Falun, Sweden and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy...
. She started with speed skating, but in 1990 she moved to competitive cycling, competing in track cycling
Track cycling
Track cycling is a bicycle racing sport usually held on specially built banked tracks or velodromes using track bicycles....
and road cycling
Road bicycle racing
Road bicycle racing is a bicycle racing sport held on roads, using racing bicycles. The term "road racing" is usually applied to events where competing riders start simultaneously with the winner being the first to the line at the end of the course .Historically, the most...
.
Cycling
Hughes, an 18-time Canadian national cycling champion, won the silver medalSilver medal
A silver medal is a medal awarded to the second place finisher of contests such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and contests with similar formats....
at the 1995 World Cycling Championships (Time Trial).
She participated at the 1991
1991 Pan American Games
The 11th Pan American Games were held in Havana, Cuba from August 2 to August 18, 1991. There were a total number of 4,519 athletes from 39 countries of the PASO community, with events held in 32 different sports...
, 1995
1995 Pan American Games
The 12th Pan American Games were held in Mar del Plata, Argentina, from March 12 to March 26, 1995. After 44 years, this was the Pan American Games first return to the country that hosted the first Games, in 1951.-Overview:...
, 1999, and 2003
2003 Pan American Games
The 14th Pan American Games were held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, from 1 to 17 August 2003. The successful bid for the games was made in the mid-1990s, when this country had one of the highest growth rates in Latin America....
Pan American Games
Pan American Games
The Pan-American or Pan American Games are a major event in the Americas featuring summer and formerly winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Pan American Games are the second largest multi-sport event after the Summer Olympics...
and won eight Pan American Games medals. Also competing in the 1990
1990 Commonwealth Games
The 1990 Commonwealth Games were held in Auckland, New Zealand from 24 January-3 February 1990. It was the 14th Commonwealth Games, and part of New Zealand's 1990 sesquicentennial celebrations. Participants competed in ten sports: athletics, aquatics, badminton, boxing, cycling, gymnastics, judo,...
, 1994
1994 Commonwealth Games
The 1994 Commonwealth Games were held in Victoria, in the province of British Columbia in Canada, from 18 August to 28 August 1994.The XV Commonwealth Games marked South Africa's return to the Commonwealth Games following the apartheid era, and over 30 years since the country last competed in the...
, and 2002 Commonwealth Games
2002 Commonwealth Games
The 2002 Commonwealth Games were held in Manchester, England from 25 July to 4 August 2002. The XVII Commonwealth Games was the largest multi-sport event ever to be held in the UK, eclipsing London's 1948 Summer Olympics in numbers of teams and athletes participating.After the 1996 Manchester...
, Hughes won gold
Gold medal
A gold medal is typically the medal awarded for highest achievement in a non-military field. Its name derives from the use of at least a fraction of gold in form of plating or alloying in its manufacture...
in the time trial and bronze
Bronze medal
A bronze medal is a medal awarded to the third place finisher of contests such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, etc. The practice of awarding bronze third place medals began at the 1904 Olympic Games in St...
in the points race on the velodrome
Velodrome
A velodrome is an arena for track cycling. Modern velodromes feature steeply banked oval tracks, consisting of two 180-degree circular bends connected by two straights...
.
Hughes participated in the 1996
1996 Summer Olympics
The 1996 Summer Olympics of Atlanta, officially known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad and unofficially known as the Centennial Olympics, was an international multi-sport event which was celebrated in 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia, United States....
and 2000 Summer Olympics
2000 Summer Olympics
The Sydney 2000 Summer Olympic Games or the Millennium Games/Games of the New Millennium, officially known as the Games of the XXVII Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event which was celebrated between 15 September and 1 October 2000 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia...
, winning two bronze medals at the 1996 Olympics
1996 Summer Olympics
The 1996 Summer Olympics of Atlanta, officially known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad and unofficially known as the Centennial Olympics, was an international multi-sport event which was celebrated in 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia, United States....
in Atlanta, in the individual road race and the individual time trial.
A four-time participant of the women's Tour de France
Grande Boucle
The Grande Boucle, formerly known as the Tour Cycliste Féminin, or simply Tour Féminin, is one of the Grand Tours of women's cycle races. Grande Boucle means "great loop" and describes the individual stages which form a circuit around France....
, Hughes has won the 1994 Women's Challenge
Women's Challenge
The Women's Challenge bicycle race was held annually in and around southern Idaho beginning in 1984 until its demise in 2002. During much of its 19 year history, it was the most prestigious women's cycle race in North America...
and the 1997 Liberty Classic
Liberty Classic
The Liberty Classic is an annual women's bicycle race held since 1994 simultaneously with the Philadelphia International Championship.The 57.6 mile race consists of four laps of a 14.4 mile circuit through Philadelphia with 5 climbs up the famous Manayunk Wall. The Liberty Classic is the final leg...
.
Hughes served as a commentator for cycling events for the CBC
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, commonly known as CBC and officially as CBC/Radio-Canada, is a Canadian crown corporation that serves as the national public radio and television broadcaster...
's coverage of the 2008 Summer Olympics
2008 Summer Olympics
The 2008 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, was a major international multi-sport event that took place in Beijing, China, from August 8 to August 24, 2008. A total of 11,028 athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees competed in 28 sports and 302 events...
in Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
.
In November 2010, she announced a comeback and wants to race at the 2012 Summer Olympics
2012 Summer Olympics
The 2012 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the "London 2012 Olympic Games", are scheduled to take place in London, England, United Kingdom from 27 July to 12 August 2012...
.
At the 2011 Pan American Championships, Hughes won the individual time trial and road race, both by a big margin. In May 2011, she took first in the Tour of the Gila
Tour of the Gila
The Tour of the Gila is a cycling stage race for both men and women located in New Mexico, USA. It is currently sponsored by the component maker SRAM. The "Gila" began in 1987....
, winning two stages. In July 2011, she took first in the inaugural Crusher in the Tushar.
Long track speed skating
Speed skating
Speed skating, or speedskating is a competitive form of ice skating in which the competitors race each other in traveling a certain distance on skates. Types of speed skating are long track speed skating, short track speed skating, and marathon speed skating...
, participating in the World Single Distance Championships
World Single Distance Championships
The World Single Distance Championships are a series of speed skating competitions organised by the International Skating Union.-History:Since the late 19th century, speed skating championships were always decided by racing multiple distances – four different distances for the allround...
in Salt Lake City, where she finished 11th in the 3000 m.
The following season, she qualified for the 2002 Winter Olympics
2002 Winter Olympics
The 2002 Winter Olympics, officially the XIX Olympic Winter Games, were a winter multi-sport event that was celebrated in February 2002 in and around Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. Approximately 2,400 athletes from 77 nations participated in 78 events in fifteen disciplines, held throughout...
. After placing 10th in the 3000 m, she won the bronze medal in the 5000 m, just ahead of compatriot Cindy Klassen
Cindy Klassen
Cindy Klassen, OM is a Canadian long track speed skater. Klassen is a six-time medalist at the Winter Olympics. She is tied with Clara Hughes for Canada's all-time most decorated Olympian with 6 medals each...
. With this, she became the second speed skater to win medals in the Summer and Winter Games — Christa Luding-Rothenburger won a gold in the 1000 m speed skating and silver in the 1000 m cycling sprint in 1988. She became the fourth person and second woman to win medals at the Summer and Winter Games. In 2006, she was the only Olympian to have won multiple medals at the Summer Games as well as at the Winter Games.
In 2006
Canada at the 2006 Winter Olympics
Canada competed at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, with a team of 196 athletes and 220 support staff.As host of the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics, Canada was pressured to do well at the 2006 Games...
, although she had not been asked, she announced she would not carry the Canadian flag during the opening ceremonies of the 2006 Winter Olympics
2006 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony of the 2006 Winter Olympics was held on February 10, 2006 beginning at 20:00 CET at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin, Italy....
in Turin, Italy. At those Olympics, she won her first gold medal in the 5000 m and a silver medal
Silver medal
A silver medal is a medal awarded to the second place finisher of contests such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and contests with similar formats....
in the team pursuit as part of the Canadian team. She earned her fifth Olympic medal at the 2006 Games, tying the total all-time Canadian medal count record, also held by Marc Gagnon
Marc Gagnon
Marc Gagnon is a French Canadian short track speed skater. He is a four-time Overall World Champion for 1993, 1994, 1996 and 1998, and winner of three Olympic gold medals....
and Phillip Edwards. Klassen set a new record in the same games, winning five medals in Turin, for a total of six.
Inspired by Joey Cheek
Joey Cheek
+William Joseph Cheek is an American speed skater and former inline speed skater...
, who donated his gold medal bonus to Right to Play
Right to Play
Right To Play is an international humanitarian organization that uses sport and play programs to improve health, develop life skills, and foster peace for children and communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world...
, Hughes donated $10,000 of her own money to Right to Play
Right to Play
Right To Play is an international humanitarian organization that uses sport and play programs to improve health, develop life skills, and foster peace for children and communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world...
. after her 2006 gold medal win in the 5000 m. (Canada did not give out medal bonuses at the time).
Hughes was also a world record holder on 10,000 m track with 14:19.73 on 12 March 2005 on the Olympic Oval
Olympic Oval
The Olympic Oval in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is a covered speed skating oval built for the 1988 Winter Olympics. It is the official designated training center for Speed Skate Canada and the Canadian National Speed Skating team. It is located on the University of Calgary campus...
in Calgary
Calgary
Calgary is a city in the Province of Alberta, Canada. It is located in the south of the province, in an area of foothills and prairie, approximately east of the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies...
, which was beaten by Martina Sáblíková
Martina Sáblíková
Martina Sáblíková is a Czech speedskater, specializing in long distance races. She is an Olympic gold medal winner and a multiple World champion. She is the elder sister of fellow speedskater Milan Sáblík.-Career:As a junior, Sáblíková already achieved some notable results during international...
one year later. However, that time is still the Canadian record.
On January 29, 2010, she was announced as the Canadian Flag Bearer for the 2010 Winter Olympics
2010 Winter Olympics
The 2010 Winter Olympics, officially the XXI Olympic Winter Games or the 21st Winter Olympics, were a major international multi-sport event held from February 12–28, 2010, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with some events held in the suburbs of Richmond, West Vancouver and the University...
in Vancouver. During the games she won a bronze medal in the 5,000 metres
Speed skating at the 2010 Winter Olympics – Women's 5000 metres
The women's 5000 metres speed skating competition of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics was held at Richmond Olympic Oval on 24th February 2010.-Records:Prior to this competition, the existing world and Olympic records were as follows.-Results:...
which was also the final Olympic race of her career. Her time of 6:55.73 became a new track record, though her time was soon beaten by Stephanie Beckert
Stephanie Beckert
Stephanie Beckert is a long-track speed skater from Germany. Her specialty is the 5000 meter. She had a fourth place standing at the 2008–09 Speed Skating World Cup/3000&5000 m Women...
of Germany and gold medalist Martina Sáblíková
Martina Sáblíková
Martina Sáblíková is a Czech speedskater, specializing in long distance races. She is an Olympic gold medal winner and a multiple World champion. She is the elder sister of fellow speedskater Milan Sáblík.-Career:As a junior, Sáblíková already achieved some notable results during international...
of the Czech Republic. This brought her career medals total to six, tying teammate Cindy Klassen
Cindy Klassen
Cindy Klassen, OM is a Canadian long track speed skater. Klassen is a six-time medalist at the Winter Olympics. She is tied with Clara Hughes for Canada's all-time most decorated Olympian with 6 medals each...
as the Canadian athlete with the most medals.
Personal bests
Current Canadian RecordFormer World Record
- All information from Speed Skating Canada records page and Clara Hughes's SSC profile
Honours
In 2006, she was awarded the Order of ManitobaOrder of Manitoba
The Order of Manitoba is a civilian honour for merit in the Canadian province of Manitoba. Instituted in 1999 when Lieutenant Governor Peter M...
, and in 2007, she was made an Officer of the Order of Canada
Order of Canada
The Order of Canada is a Canadian national order, admission into which is, within the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada, the second highest honour for merit...
.
On May 23, 2008, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of Manitoba
University of Manitoba
The University of Manitoba , in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, is the largest university in the province of Manitoba. It is Manitoba's most comprehensive and only research-intensive post-secondary educational institution. It was founded in 1877, making it Western Canada’s first university. It placed...
.
In 2008 Clara was named an in motion Champion by the Province of Manitoba.
On February 12, 2010, she was the Canadian Olympic Team flag bearer for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games
2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremony
The Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics was held on February 12, 2010 beginning at 6:00 pm PST at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This was the first Olympic opening ceremony to be held indoors...
in Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is the hub of Greater Vancouver, which, with over 2.3 million residents, is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country,...
.
On April 7, 2010 she was made an officer of the Order of Canada
Order of Canada
The Order of Canada is a Canadian national order, admission into which is, within the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada, the second highest honour for merit...
.
On June 8, 2010, it was announced that she would receive a star on Canada's Walk of Fame
Canada's Walk of Fame
Canada's Walk of Fame , located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is a walk of fame that acknowledges the achievements and accomplishments of successful Canadians...
.
On September 23, 2010 she received an honorary degree from the University of New Brunswick in a special Toronto ceremony
On November 15, 2010, Ms. Hughes was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame
Canada's Sports Hall of Fame
Canada's Sports Hall of Fame is a hall of fame established in 1955 to "preserve the record of Canadian sports achievements and to promote a greater awareness of Canada's heritage of sport." It is located at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, Alberta...
.
Sponsors
- Sponsored by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Bell, COLD-FX, Pure Fruit Technologies, Adidas Eyewear & VISA for the 2008-2009 season.
External links
- Clara Hughes Official Web Site
- Clara Hughes Biography at Speed Skating Canada
- Clara Hughes at SkateResults.com
- Photos of Clara Hughes
See also
- List of Olympians who won medals in the Summer and Winter Games