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Winnipeg, Man.
And the bronze medal goes to . . . Cindy Klassen!

Jon Unger Brandt

Canada’s first medal of the 2002 Winter Olympics was awarded to a relative newcomer to the world athletics scene. Cindy qualified for five events at these Olympics (the most for any Canadian in Salt Lake) and competed in four.

Photo: H. Barry Giles

She took third in the 3000 metre, fourth in both the 1000 and the 1500 metres, and finished 13th in the 5000. She missed a second bronze medal in the 1500 by just 27/100ths of a second.

Cindy picked up speed skating just four years ago after being cut from the National Women’s Hockey team. Since then she has quickly become a force to be reckoned with on the World Cup Circuit. She holds the Canadian records for both the 1500 and 3000. As a member of the McIvor Ave. MB Church in Winnipeg, she is the first Canadian MB to receive an Olympic medal.

This interview took place Thursday, February 28, 2002.

What was the Olympic experience like?

CK – Overall it was a great experience. I’ve been at the World Championships, which can be pretty amazing, but the Olympics takes this to a new level. I was excited to be there and represent Canada.

There was a lot of talk about security at these Olympics, how did you experience it?

CK – Security was very tight everywhere. There were tracking devices (connected to a satellite system) on the shuttles that went from the Olympic Village to the events so that if there was a deviation from the route it would be stopped immediately. And going into the Village they would check under the vehicle and under the hood every time. They did a good job and every one felt quite safe. We actually didn’t stay in the Village that much though.

Where did you stay?

CK – Because the oval wasn’t very close to the Village, Speedskating Canada rented some condos right across the venue. I spent most of my time there and hung out with the other skaters.

Any highlights with other athletes?

CK – Definitely. During lunch one day in the Village all the NHL guys were there and I got to see Mario Lemieux and even talk to Steve Yzerman. That was pretty neat.

Did you get a chance to watch any of the other events, like the hockey finals?

CK – Because I was competing in four events I was pretty busy and didn’t get a chance to see much. I watched the men’s game on TV but I did get to see the women play. That was special. They did so well, especially considering the refereeing.

What were some of your goals coming in?

CK – On the World Cup circuit I have had a fair number of top five finishes so I thought it would be neat to get a medal but wasn’t expecting anything. I am really happy with what I accomplished and where I am right now. No regrets – overall a great experience.

Future plans?

CK – I will go to Germany next week for a World Cup event and then to Holland for the World Championships. The fans in Holland are crazy – you can’t prepare for it. The Olympics are a big race, more intense pressure, but the environment in Holland will be crazy.

After that? Try the Summer Olympics and do both like (fellow speed skater Clara) Hughes?

CK – I use the bike to train but I am really bad at it. It’s fun but as soon as we climb a hill I am way at the back. I would like to hit Torino (2006 Winter Olympics, Torino, Italy). I would love to, but we’ll see. That is definitely a goal.

How does your faith impact what you do?

I was talking to a guy from Holland on the World Cup circuit – on the road we have Bible studies with Athletes in Action and other groups – and he made me realize that medals at the Olympics are nothing compared to heaven. It was something I knew but he helped focus that for me. Speedskating isn’t everything; you need to keep perspective.

Other skaters like Catriona Lemay Doan are very vocal about their faith, how do you express yours?

CK – Catriona and I are very different people. I want people to know I am a Christian but I am a shy person. My teammates know I am a Christian, but I don’t push it. If something needs to be said I’ll say it, and when talking to the media I try to let people know.

Any spiritual highlights?

CK – A couple at church, the Reddigs, made up cards with my picture on it and distributed it to everyone at McIvor. It was amazing to realize that I had that much support and prayer. Also, I was really nervous going into the 3000 and was getting worked up. Just before the race I received an e-mail from students from MBCI (Cindy graduated from Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute, Winnipeg in 1997) telling me they were praying for me and cheering for me. That really helped me calm down and focus. All that support was quite amazing.

Any final thoughts?

CK – I want to thank everyone who supported me and prayed for me. I really felt that support throughout the entire time I was out there. It was an amazing experience for me to be at the Olympics and know that so many people were cheering for me. Thanks.

 – Jon Unger Brandt

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Last modified April 15, 2002.

© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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