But she would eventually burn out and after a series of injuries quit cycling briefly, only to revive her career under coach Eric Van Den Eynde in Quebec, where she would settle in the Eastern Townships. So the woman who says "movement is my medicine" has chosen to process and reflect on her ride by embarking on another long-distance journey. It's about 10 different stories along the way of predominantly younger Canadians and what their struggle was, what their story is.". Im lucky. The celebrated Olympian, 41, started on March 14 in Toronto and will finish on July 1 on Parliament Hill. I didn't have respect for anyone or myself.". I want to see them given the best tools and support so they can do their job at its highest level and then go home and feel, I love my work. Theres a lot of good stuff happening, and actually this Ride is bringing organizations together like never before. Im lucky to be married to someone who is as intensely motivated to move as I am, or even more soand who really sees the value in this. Skip to main content.us. Peter and I used them for training all winter. On September 23, 2010, she received an honorary degree from the University of New Brunswick in a special Toronto ceremony. "He changed my life. Peter does his trips just for himself. "I always try to go back to something that allows me to struggle and allows me to endure and allows me to feel just a very silent satisfaction of having gotten through.". in the May 2012 issue of Best Health. I want every person in the community or school to feel that their story is the most important one on this tour. [25] Hughes uses her past struggles with depression to relate to others and to help combat issues including the stigma involved with mental health issues. He has his own comfort zone. We screen for comments that seek to spread information that is false or misleading. The Winter Olympics are around the corner, so it makes sense that six-time Olympic medallist Clara Hughes is getting into the spirit of things. In 2014, Hughes received the Loyola Medal from Concordia University. Thats what I dream of.(new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=211270ca-96aa-42a9-9b9e-124313270ee0&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "211270ca-96aa-42a9-9b9e-124313270ee0" }).render("1d22893a55fb43ee89ad9fbeafd44000"); }); As the magazine partner for Claras Big Ride, Best Health had the chance for a candid talk with her on a cold, snowy morning in Toronto just days before she headed out on the ride of her life. I am still No exaggeration: This saved my life [shaking her head]. But dont even think about suggesting that the work shes doing for mental health awareness is on the scale of what Terry Fox did to raise cancer awareness. Klassen set a new record in the same games, winning five medals in Turin, for a total of six. At the ceremony, Hughes said, "It is without exception the greatest honour that I have in my life, to have my name here.". Hughes and her husband Peter Guzman are celebrating their 25th year of being in each others lives, and they spend as much time outside as possible. Everyone were working with at Bell to make this happen genuinely cares, and has a sense of pride in what theyre doing here. But we have the best clothing and equipment, fantastic support from the bike industryPearl Izumi Canada, Specialized Canada, Shimano Canada. 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. [4], Hughes is one of the few athletes who have competed in both the Summer and Winter Olympic games. I'm not proud of who I was. With her experience and endurance earned through cycling, Hughes went on to a successful career competing in the 3,000m and 5,000m. This would eventually lead her to medal in these long distance events at the Winter Olympics. I had just come off competitive success, was probably over-training, and I cracked mentally and physically. The first thought I had on seeing Clara Hughes in the flesh, in California at her training camp just before Christmas, was, Wow, shes tall. Okay, here goes: The 39-year-old speed skater and cyclist, whom Ive cheered for through my TV during many Olympic games, is tied with fellow Winnipegger Cindy Klassen for the most Olympic medals won by a Canadian, although Claras six medals are from both Summer and Winter games. Every single day so far has touched my heart. Hughes is one of only five people to have podium finishes in the Winter and Summer versions of the games, and is the only person ever to have won multiple medals in both. "He was just a drill sergeant and he was just, `Do it. They intend to return to the trail in February and eventually complete the 3,746-kilometre trek that traverses 14 U.S. states. As a 16-year-old, Hughes was sitting in her mother's living room doing some channel surfing and came across the broadcast of the 1988 Calgary Olympics. is 176cm (5ft 9in) and Weight 69kg (152lb). In 2015, a CTV-produced documentary Clara's Big Ride premiered on the fifth annual Bell Let's Talk Day (a national mental health awareness day in Canada). Hughes husband of 18 years, Peter Guzman, is doing the entire Ride with her, and Hughes has lined up three close cyclist friends who, one at a time, will join them along the way. Bonnie: You were kind of a bad girl at the time, right?Clara: My parents split up when I was nine, and my mom raised my sister and me alone. Bonnie: Are you close with your parents and sister?Clara: My sister is a mom; shes in Winnipeg. Im definitely back in bike mode., Like some other former Canadian pro cyclists, Hughes has been bitten by the bikepacking bug. Place Stadium for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics on Feb. 12 didn't get there via the yellow brick road. "Sport is definitely something that provided a value system for me, also just a moral base that I didn't have. Thats what this Ride is. If we can be outdoors, thats where well be. A participant at the 1990, 1994 and 2002 Commonwealth Games, Hughes won gold in the time trial (road, 2002), bronze in the points race on the velodrome (2002), and silver in the 50km team time trial (1994, with Alison Sydor, Anne Samplonius, and Lesley Tomlinson). And then his dementia began. Its a privilege, she says. In 2006, she was the only Olympian to have won multiple medals at the Summer Games as well as at the Winter Games.[21]. So my grandma gave me a pair of speed skates but they were long-track; I sold them and bought a pair of short-track skates. [35], On September 23, 2010, she received an honorary degree from the University of New Brunswick in a special Toronto ceremony. 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. I am still government, Blueberry River First Nations sign historic deal, Family of woman who died after altercation with Toronto hospital guards launches $16-million lawsuit, Federal Conservatives open up 7-point lead over Liberals to start 2023: Nanos, Ottawa's notorious Rideau Street McDonald's closing permanently, Winnipeg man dies during honeymoon at Mexican resort, WATCH: Thief flees from police on hood of getaway vehicle, Thieves exploiting major vulnerability in Dodge Ram trucks, Stanford study identifies what influences weight loss the most, Here is where 25 new Zellers stores will open in Canada this year, Looking for a luxury home? "[26] Since 2013, Hughes has initiated annual bike rides across Canada in order to raise awareness about mental health. WebHer spouse is Peter Guzman. WebClara Hughes is an athlete for all seasons. Clara Hughess income source is mostly from being a successful Skater. WebClara Hughes, OC OM MSC (born September 27, 1972) is a Canadian cyclist and speed skater who has won multiple Olympic medals in both sports. And at the halfway mark of Claras Big Ride, approximately 50,000 people had attended events, We checked in with Hughes about halfway through the Ride about how she is feeling. Another with depression says she was told by her physician to not talk about it because people would judge her. Hughes won two bronze in the 1996 Summer Olympics and four medals (one gold, one silver, two bronze) over the course of three Winter Olympics. She participated in 235 events in 105 communities. She's tough as nails, has an incredible pain threshold and refuses to accept anything less than the best from herself. Clara Hughes @claraaanehughes. She became the fourth person and second woman to win medals at the Summer and Winter Games. I was wasting my life. I love bike camping and touring and will do it until the day I die. Don't ask questions. In 2014, Hughes received the Loyola Medal from Concordia University. Hughes is an officer of the Order of Canada, a member of Canadas Sports Hall of Fame, a 19-time national cycling champion. [24], She is the National Spokesperson for the Bell Canada 'Let's Talk Mental Health' initiative, including Bell 'Let's Talk Day'. Rare video captures birth of elephant seal in B.C. In the summer of the year 2010, it was announced that she would receive a star on the Canadian Walk of Fame and on November 15, 2010, she was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. She is from . A few months went by, wed decided this Ride would happen, I was busyand the moment I stopped, when I had a few weeks when I didnt have to travel or do anything, I started feeling that weight again. She also won two bronze medals in cycling at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Ive walked through the Continental Divide on the Great Divide Trail and bike paths all through all of the mountain ranges from the Continental Divide all the way to the coastal spine., Hughes believes that humans need to look more to nature to help guide them in their journeys. But its about the Canadian story that is different in every community, and I just cant wait for that story to be told. This is Clara Hughes third time on the CAAWS Most Influential Women List. Hughes husband of 18 years, Peter Guzman, is doing the entire Ride with her, and Hughes has lined up three close cyclist friends who, one at a time, will join them along the way. I wasn't into really hard drugs, but I was doing a fair amount of soft drugs and just partying a lot. She was Canadas flag-bearer at the Vancouver 2010 games, and as I write this, she is gunning hard to make the Canadian Olympic cycling team (in the road race and time trials categories) for this summers games in London. The women on the MIW are influential women who contributed in a significant way to sport and physical activity in the year 2011. Here's what more than $1M can get you in Canada, Rare Canadian stamp expected to fetch hefty price at Ottawa auction, NDP leader says Liberal government is waging war against the working class, Sask. Her early days certainly didn't foreshadow a speed skater who would donate $10,000 out of her own bank account to the humanitarian group Right To Play after winning gold at the 2006 Turin Olympics. In June 2012, she was selected to become part of Canada's 2012 London Olympics team, as one of four in cycling, with two other women and a man. And I just didn't care. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Get the digital edition of Canadian Cycling Magazine. After this Ride is over, well be able to say to the government, Look how much Canadians care about this issue., The day after the Ride is over, I see as similar to finishing an Olympics: All I want is to wake up with Peter, look at each other and be like, Did that actually happen? And just smile at each other and know, Yup. You're just wasting your life.' I said, Dad, its Clara, did you see I won the bronze medal? He didnt know who I was. Its an initiative that grew out of the Bell Lets Talk campaign, for which Hughes is spokesperson; she herself has struggled with mental illness. Her mother called the Winnipeg Speed Skating Club and found out there was a spring training camp. In May 2011, she took first in the Tour of the Gila, winning two stages. In July 2011, she finished first in the inaugural Crusher in the Tushar in Beaver, Utah. But most people dont have that person to talk to. But for Clara, its not enough just to give money. Someone called out, Hey, Clara, how far did you go? She tossed her reply casually over her shoulder, her red hair swinging back: Oh, 200K. The guys jaw dropped as she skipped up the stairs with her bike in one hand. There was this kid in Ethiopia whod had his hand blown off by a land mine. The women on the MIW are influential women who contributed in a significant way to sport and physical activity in the year 2011. WebClara Hughes, OC, OM, MSC OLY is a Canadian cyclist and speed skater who has won multiple Olympic medals in both sports. I dont ride my bike daily, I wish I did, but when I do I absolutely love it. Hughes was inspired, but initially still regressed into her old bad habits. WebHughes touched down in towns in Labrador, Nunavut and Northwest Territories before embarking on the toughest cycling leg of the journey. [40], On January 29, 2015, the official opening ceremony was held for a school named after Hughes. Ill never forget that moment in 1988it still gives me chills and I still have that passion. Its going to be so cool. He started getting aggressive with his homecare workers, so he had to go into a geriatric psychiatric ward. Clara lives with her husband, Peter Guzman, and they divide their time between two homes: one in the Eastern Townships in Quebec, and the other deep in the mountains of northeast Utah. They share a passion for being surrounded by nature in the precious times they get to be together. I cant thank his care workers enough. "What I'm seeing is we have a big problem in that the system is not there, and if it is there, it is not yet trusted for people to reach to," Hughes said. It was a big snow year down in the Sierra, and its a low snow year up in the North Cascades. I went through a pretty long phase of that unconscious competence with him where I didn't really think that much about what I was doing, I was just a machine and I performed.". We were wild animals, untamed. There was a short-track camp one weekend, and I did it in my hockey skates, since I already played ringette. As you can see in the very funny clip below, Hughes gives us a reminder that practice makes perfect. I started kicking a ball with these little boys. [laughs] As we go from point A to point B, Ill be thinking about everything that happened that morning and the night before at the events. Clara shared the record for over a decade with Cindy Klassen as Canadas most decorated In 2006, she was awarded the Order of Manitoba, and in 2007, she was made a Member of the Order of Canada. Bonnie: Did you ever consider suicide?Clara: I have friends who tried it and failed. We made some bad choicesdrugs, smoking. So after the London Olympics in 2012, I realized I finally had the time I wanted. However, that time is still the Canadian record. On June 8, 2010, it was announced that she would receive a star on Canada's Walk of Fame. There was a feature on legendary speed skater Gaetan Boucher, winner of two gold and a bronze at the '84 Sarajevo Games, who was about to take his last shot at the podium in the men's 1,500 metres. Communities and companies can raise money, if they wish, to give directly to mental health initiatives of their choice. How many times has Clara Hughes been married? I was walking on the road where we live, in the back country in Utah, and felt disconnected with myself. 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. He really did. Olympian, author, and all-round adventurer Clara Hughes has seen her fair share of wet, windy and challenging nights. And she's experienced them all exposed to the elements from the seat of her bicycle. But Hughes instead provides the thread between stories told by Canadians affected by mental illness: a teacher who has depression, anxiety and panic attacks; a university student who attempted suicide; a community worker in northern Canada trying to prevent youth suicide; a soldier with post-traumatic stress disorder. [39], On June 30, 2014, Hughes was honoured with the Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division). On January 29, 2015, the official opening ceremony was held for a school named after Hughes. A post shared by Clara Hughes (@claraannehughes). She has forged gold out of sheer guts, willpower and with some timely guidance along the way. Hughes started speed skating at the age of 16, and then took up the sport of cycling at the age of 17. The team consists of 13 of the worlds best women cyclists from places like Germany, Sweden, the United States and Australia, and together they compete on the racing circuit. "Hughes battled deep depression, which threatened to derail her life, after winning two bronze medals in cycling at the 1996 Olympics. For example, when Clara won a gold medal in the Turin Winter Olympics in 2006, she donated $10,000 of her personal earnings to RTPand this was before Canada was giving medal bonuses. A four-time participant of the women's Tour de France, Hughes has won the 1994 Women's Challenge and the 1997 Liberty Classic. Although she has a husband, Peter Guzman, she doesn't have any children. But I saw his intense expression, and thats the moment I just knew what I wanted to do. The six-time Olympic medallist has mostly been walking, using her bike mostly for commuting or getting groceries. I was going back into that place. Yeah, were gonna be messed up! The medal I wore around my neck was the The nice thing about bikes, versus hiking, is that the bikes go fast! the Olympian said. So with this, he was like, But so many people know about it. I told him, I honestly dont think I can do it without you. And so many times, Ive given him a big hug and said, Im so grateful youre here., Maybe a kid will go home and say, We had this thing at school and they talked about depression. Maybe it opens up a conversation, and opens minds. I cant not try. But it took a bit of convincing; Peter is very private. "And so there I was, this undisciplined, pseudo-amoral girl, young adolescent, and this thing happened inside of me. Bonnie: So do you feel theres a promising up-and-comer we should watch for in the next Olympics, in any sport? In 2008, Hughes was named an in motion Champion by the Province of Manitoba. At the ceremony, Hughes said, "It is without exception the greatest honour that I have in my life, to have my name here."[41]. Its always been my goal to be that inspirational person. 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 3000m. Hughes is one of the few athletes who have competed in both the Summer and Winter Olympic games. The kids we help through RTP, they get a sparkle in their eyes, a light, and its what happened to me when I saw Boucher. Clara Hughes Net Worth. She was coming into the hotel lobby after a ride in the mountains with her cycling team. Can see in the Tour of the few athletes who have competed in both Summer!: this saved my life [ shaking her head ] at the 1996 Olympics Olympics, in any sport that. Physical activity in the inaugural Crusher in the year 2011 was the the nice thing about bikes, hiking. Moment I just cant wait for that story to be told and just partying a of... 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