When it comes to speed skating, Manitobans stand out. The province has produced athletes in the likes of Clara Hughes, Cindy Klassen and Susan Auch. A distinguished list Heather McLean hopes to soon join.
“They came from the same province and went through all the same outdoor training as me,” McLean said.
“To see the reality of it. It was always something I wanted to do.”
The 24-year-old Winnipegger is on track to make her Olympic debut in February – a path to Pyeongchang in South Korea which started in elementary school.
“I remember thinking in grade five that I wanted to train on the national team and go to the Olympics,” McLean said.
RELATED: Winnipegger Heather McLean wins third World Cup speed skating medal of the season
Since joining Canada’s long-track speed skating team in 2013, McLean has made great strides. She’s won back-to-back national titles plus is a four-time World Cup medalist. But her success slowed right down last year. Despite starting the season as the country’s top speed skater in the 500-metre distance, McLean failed to find the podium in all of her international races.
“It takes a lot to step out of that and see the big picture,” McLean said.
“To realize it’s a valley you’re going though and you’ll be able to get out of it.”
A positive mindset that inspires McLean and, in turn, future speed skaters.
“That’s all I can really hope for,” McLean said. “It’s to be there for the next wave of people that are coming up and going through this.”
Just like those before McLean did for her.
Comments