Clara Hughes

I've had so many experiences in cycling, but in some ways I have nothing left to prove. I have achieved more than I could have dreamed of, I've raced a lot longer than I thought I would. I know I can still be better, but I just don't know if I love it enough any more. ”

For 20 years I've had the privilege of representing Canada around the globe... first on the bike and then on my blades. The experiences have shaped me into who I am today. ”

I had some experience in dealing with people who have mental illness and depression, but I didn't see the signs in myself. I couldn't ask for help because I didn't know I needed help. ”

With athletes, it's never fully understood the level to which we push ourselves. Especially in an endurance sport. ”

If you dream and you allow yourself to dream you can do anything. And that's what this Olympic medal represents. ”

The struggle I went through has value. ”

I'm trying to let winning the world championships settle in right now before I begin training again shortly. During the skating season, we skate on average 20 kilometres a day. On top of that, we're riding a lot and lifting a lot of weights. ”

I still can't believe I won the Olympics. That's what I feel right now - completely alive as a human being. It's a really beautiful moment. ”

I want people to be inspired that I've always strived for excellence and I've always gone beyond what anybody ever thought I could do, what I thought I myself could do. And I've allowed myself to be inspired, kept my eyes open and my senses open to inspiration around me. ”