Clara Hughes

Clara Hughes is a remarkable Canadian athlete known for her achievements in both cycling and speed skating. She won two bronze medals in cycling at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and later transitioned to speed skating, securing bronze medals at the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics and the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Beyond athletics, Hughes is a dedicated advocate for mental health, sharing her personal struggles with depression. She founded Clara’s Big Ride, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues, and a documentary chronicling her efforts, "Clara's Big Ride," was released in 2015. Her memoir, *Open Heart, Open Mind*, further shares her journey and advocacy.

Hughes has been honoured with numerous awards, including induction into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, being named to the Order of Canada, and receiving multiple honorary degrees. She has also been recognized as one of the Most Influential Women in Sport in Canada. Her contributions extend beyond sports, with initiatives that highlight her commitment to community and mental health advocacy.