Clara's Climb
CLARA'S CLIMB
Winnipeg-born cyclist and speed skater Clara Hughes passed this lookout hundreds of times as she trained to become Canada's most accomplished Olympian. In 1991, at age 19, Hughes followed her coach Mirek Mazur from Winnipeg to Dundas to take advantage of the challenging terrain of the Niagara Escarpment, pedalling up and down the Sydenham Hill in all weather.
Winnipeg-born cyclist and speed skater Clara Hughes passed this lookout hundreds of times as she trained to become Canada's most accomplished Olympian. In 1991, at age 19, Hughes followed her coach Mirek Mazur from Winnipeg to Dundas to take advantage of the challenging terrain of the Niagara Escarpment, pedalling up and down the Sydenham Hill in all weather.
Her road to glory began at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, where she captured bronze medals in Road Racing and Time Trial. On the ice, she skated to bronze in the 5000 Metres at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. In 2006, at the Turin Winter Olympics, Hughes skated to gold in the 5000 Metres and silver in Team Pursuit. She was the Canadian Olympic Team flag bearer for the Opening Ceremonies at the 2010 Vancouver Games, where she once again won bronze in the 5000 Metres.
In 2010, Hughes was made an Officer of the Order of Canada, inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, and recieved a star on Canada's Walk of Fame. Her humanitarian efforts in support of mental health, and sports for underprivileged children continued after her retirement from Olympic competition.
To date, Clara Hughes is the only athlete in Olympic History to win multiple medals in both the Summer and Winter Games. Dedicated April 27, 2013 - Hamilton Historical Board.
Submitted By: Jessica Eby
Submitted By: Jessica Eby