Ignite Female leadership 

Foreword

Known as the fastest woman on ice, Catriona Le May Doan is a three-time Olympic medalist – winning two golds and a bronze. She has participated in four consecutive Olympic games and broken 13 world records for speed skating. She is a formidable athlete, dedicated individual and her numerous achievements undoubtedly prove that. One is easily impressed by her multiple World Cup Championships. She also is an Officer of the Order of Canada and has been inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. Looking at Catriona’s accomplishments, she is nothing short of spectacular. Few, if any, have achieved what she has in her sport and reached that level of success.

If you meet Catriona, you will first notice her smile, then her legs! Her dynamic grin is infectious and instantly warming. Her four decades of training has sculpted and molded a pair of legs as perfect as one can get. Athletics has taught her discipline and devotion, and you can see that in her personality and physique. She is a woman to notice. She is a true female leader and a champion through and through.

Yet, like all leaders, she faced obstacles and endured tremendous setbacks. At the 1994 Olympics, she fell, crashing into the side wall and placed an embarrassing 17th place. In front of the world and with millions watching, Catriona slipped on her blade and ruined all chances for any medals. Decades of training, untold amounts of money, and endless hours of sacrifice by her and her family were eradicated in an instant as she uncontrollably slid down the speedway to a crumpled stop. It was a devastating fall and as Catriona describes, one that could have debilitated her spirit and ended her career.