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
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.
great lit
She went out and just lit it up. She had a great race.
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.
gone
I look back and it couldn't have gone any better.
backing means praying
I know that they're all praying for me and really backing me up and that just means the world to me.
comforts coming excited home hopeful preparing relax seeing
I'm hopeful to get one day off to relax in Calgary before preparing for the worlds. But it's all up to my coach. I'm really excited about coming home and seeing everyone and being back in the comforts of home.
aspect decent exciting good heading line looking race second
I had a decent race but I just didn't feel very comfortable. It was an exciting race and it went right down to the line for second place. So from that aspect it's looking good for me heading into the world championships.
good
I didn't know it would be good enough.
levels pushed
Her and I have really pushed each other to new levels this season.
games gone happy teammates
The Games couldn't have gone any better. I'm so happy with how I did and also with how well my teammates did.
died ice pace
The ice was tough. I started off at a pace that I thought I could hold. But I died at the end.
forward good looking open sign
It could be anybody's day. I'm going to keep an open mind. Hopefully, the 1,500 will go well. I think (the 1,000) was a good sign for the 1,500 ... I'm looking forward to it.