Join Me in Supporting Every Child's Right To Play
A native of Winnipeg, MB, Clara Hughes is a six–time Olympic medalist in speed skating and cycling and is the only athlete in history to win multiple medals in both the Winter and Summer Olympic Games. Clara reached the top of her speed skating career at the 2006 Turin Olympics, winning a gold medal for Canada in the Women’s 5000m long track speed skating event. In the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games Clara won a bronze medal in the 500m long track on home ice. She was also the Canadian flag-bearer for the Canadian Team during the Vancouver Olympic Games.
Inspired by the work of the international humanitarian organization Right To Play, Clara donated $10,000 to the organization after her incredible gold medal win in Turin, and challenged Canadian businesses and individuals to match her donation or give what they could. Clara’s challenge sparked incredible awareness for Right To Play across Canada and resulted in donations in excess of $430,000 in support of Right To Play’s sport and play programs across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Despite her demanding training and competition schedule, Clara has always been heavily involved in her community and has placed heavy importance on giving back through sport. A passionate Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and Co-Chair of Right To Play’s Canadian Advisory Board, Clara is committed to raising awareness and funds for Right To Play by making people aware of the difference Right To Play’s programs are making in the lives of children and communities across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
In April 2008, Clara made her second trip to the field with Right To Play, leading a delegation of Canadian winter athletes on a visit to see Right To Play programs in Ghana. She later traveled on to visit Right To Play programs in the Middle East. Clara had earlier visited Right To Play programs in Ethiopia. After the 2010 Olympics, Clara spent a week in Rwanda working with Right To Play staff to learn about the inner workings of Right To Play.
In recognition of her accomplishments and community service, in 2007 Clara was named an Officer of the Order of Canada. A frequent public speaker, Clara has also received the International Olympic Committee’s ‘Sport and Community’ Award and is a member of the Order of Manitoba. Most recently, Clara was honoured as an inductee on Canada's Walk of Fame in Toronto.
Career Highlights
• Five-time Olympian (Atlanta, Sydney, Salt Lake City, Turin and Vancouver)
• Gold medalist in 5000m long track speed skating event at 2006 Turin Olympics
• Four–time medalist in Winter Olympics and two–time medalist in Summer Olympics
• Only athlete in history to win multiple medals in Winter and Summer Olympics
• Six–time Long Track Speed Skating World Championships medalist
• Gold medalist in Cycling Time Trial event at 2002 Commonwealth Games
• Seven–time Pan American Games medalist in cycling
• Four–time participant in the Women’s Tour De France
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