Le May Doan, Catriona (1970-)

Saskatoon's Catriona Le May Doan holds the Olympic and World records in the 500-metre speed skating event. Born on December 23, 1970, she competed for the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club, and became a member of the Canadian national team in 1988. Le May Doan dominated the World Cup speed skating circuit from 1998 to 2002, winning over forty medals in several events. Le May Doan's greatest accomplishments have perhaps come as an Olympic speed skater. A four-time Olympian, she earned gold and bronze medals at the 1998 Nagano Winter Games. Four years later at the Salt Lake City Games, she defended her Olympic title with a gold medal performance in the 500-metre event, becoming the first Canadian individual to defend a gold medal at any Olympic Games. Although she retired from competitive speed skating in May 2003, Le May Doan remains involved in the sport and also works as a motivational speaker. In addition to her many speed skating medals, she is a three-time recipient of the Canadian Female Athlete of the Year award, and the 2002 Lou Marsh Award as Canada's Athlete of the Year.

Daria Coneghan, Holden Stoffel

Further Reading