Monday, February 11, 2002
Family 'speechless' over medal
By CAMERON MAXWELL -- Calgary Sun
While long track speed skater Cindy Klassen's bronze medal probably comes as a surprise to most Canadians, those who know her believed she could do it.
The former hockey player from Winnipeg nailed down third place yesterday at Salt Lake City in the women's 3,000 metres, in just her first Olympics.
The win left Klassen's mother speechless.
"It's incredible," Klassen's father Jake said moments after it was made official his 22-year-old daughter had won the bronze. "It's really hard to put into words how we feel. All I can say is she surprised us again."
Those who train with Klassen knew exactly what she was capable of.
"I wasn't that surprised because she's got all the tools to (medal), but it was pretty exciting to watch," said Todd McClements, who trains at Calgary's Olympic Oval with the Alberta provincial team.
2002 Games Long Track Speed Skating Coverage
