In Canada, Cindy Klassen is synonymous with speedskating, with six Olympic medals and a decorated career. Klassen had to take time away from her sport for some surgical repairs to her knees. There was some question whether she would be back to compete in the Vancouver Olympic Games in her home country. Those questions were answered with her recent performance to qualify for the World Cup team:

“Cindy Klassen returned to competitive speedskating Saturday and immediately made her mark by clinching a spot on Canada’s World Cup team.

Klassen finished fifth in the 1,500 meters at the Canadian Fall World Cup Selection Trials in a time of two minutes 0.69 seconds.

“I’m just grateful that I qualified. It’s a bonus, coming back into skating,” said the Winnipeg native. “I didn’t know where I’d be, especially compared to anybody else.”"

link: Klassen returns form (sp)surgery, earns spot on Canada’s World Cup speedskating team

It has been a long rehabilitation process for Cindy Klassen. She is one of the most popular athletes in her country and her place on the World Cup team will stir Olympic hopes among her many fans.

Catherine Forsythe

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