Prime Minister Stephen Harper congratulates Clara Hughes on Olympic Bronze Medal

February 24, 2010

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today congratulated Clara Hughes, whose exceptional performance today in the ladies’ 5,000-metre long track speed skating event was rewarded with a bronze medal at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

“Again and again, Clara Hughes has shown her brilliance as an athlete,” said the Prime Minister.  “It is with both pleasure and pride that I congratulate Clara on winning a bronze medal.”
 
Ms. Hughes, who carried Canada’s flag into the Opening Ceremony, was born in Winnipeg and resides in Glen Sutton, Quebec.  Over her remarkable career, she has won six medals in five Olympic Games, and is only the fourth athlete ever to win medals at both the Winter and Summer Games.  She is the only athlete to win multiple medals at both.
 
The 2010 Olympic Winter Games are being held from February 12 to 28.  Canada will be represented by more than 200 athletes who will compete in a 15-sport competition schedule at nine venues in Vancouver, Richmond and Whistler.  More than 5,500 athletes, coaches and team officials from more than 80 countries are participating in these Olympic Games.