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Early Childhood
Born on September 27, 1972, grew up on riverton Avenue in Elmwood.
Family: Ken Hughes (dad), Maureen Hughes (mom), Dodie Hughes(sister), Peter Guzman (husband)
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Troubled Childhood
When Clara was younger she got in with the wrong crowd and spent her nights drinking and doing drugs. Clara's older sister Dodie was in the same path but only worse making it seem okay for Clara. Clara believes she resorted to this as the alcohol and drugs were a way of pushing down all the things that she couldn't face.
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Cycling career
She won three gold medals in the 1990 national championships in track competition for cycling. Her career took off really quick which gave her the confidence to keep doing it. -
Ontario
In 1991 Clara moved to Ontario with her coach Mirek at the young age of 19. This was a important part of Clara's life as she was able to escape the childhood she had -
Positive Testing for Drugs
Clara was tested positive for a banned substance ephedrine. This shattered and confused.
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Pan American Games
-In argentina she won silver in in the road race and bronze in the time trial
-Won silver in her first and only world championship medal in cycling
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Meeting Her Lifesaver
Clara met Peter her current husband. When Clara met Peter she was at a very low point. Peter was someone that Clara could always count on no matter how far apart they were he was he emotional support.
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Atlanta Olympics
After winning two bronze medals, Clara came to the realization that medals weren't going to give her self worth and that's when her depression began again. -
Beginning of her career
1998 is when clara decided that she wanted to speed skate for Canada. This is an important day not only for her future but for her life as it changed her bad habits into determination towards something positive.
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Salt Lake City Olympics
-Clara won bronze in speed skating
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Pan Ams in Dominican Republic
-Clara won gold in the points race
-Clara won silver in the individual time trial
-Clara won bronze in the individual pursuit
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World Championships
Clara won a gold medal in the world champion ships (speed skating) This win was very important for her as she got to experience it with her her coaches and teammates. -
Torino Winter Olympics
Winning gold in 5000 metre race (speed skating)
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Turino Olympics
Clara won her first ever gold medal in the 2006 Turino olympics in speed skating.
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RTP Ambassador
In 2006 Torino Olympic Games Clara was invited to serve as one of the RTP's athlete ambassadors. Clara got to use her personal story and share and inspire RTP leader and other kids to raise awareness in Canada.
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Bell Let's Talk
Since 2006 Bell has sponsored Clara, the CEO wanted to meet with Clara to discuss her olympic story with major centres but then also decided she wanted to be part of their newly launched metal health initiative. This was a big step for Clara not only for her to talk about the hard times she has lived through but for herself and be so known across Canada as being the face of Bell Let's talk. -
Order of Canada
Clara was inducted into the Order of Canada as member in 2007 and later in 2010 was upgraded when she was inducted as an officer due to her accomplishments as well as her work with Right to Play.
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Canada Walk of Fame
Clara got a star added on the Canada Walk of Fame in Toronto. Clara was also inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in 2010
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Vancouver Winter Olympics
-Clara wins bronze in the 5000 meter race (speed skating)
-Clara was also announced the flag bearer for Canada
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Clara's Climb
the Sydenham Hill was renamed Clara's Climb in Dundas Ontario. This was something Clara really took to heart as she was being recognized not only from where she is from but across Canada. This hill was named after Clara as she used to cycle up the steep hill for over 7 years.
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Retirement
After the 2012 London games Clara decided that she was ready to retire from what she loved but yet caused her so much pain. Clara was ready to retire due to the things she had in life " I had money in the bank, a supportive husband, and a successful career that had provided me with enough celebrity to build a future.
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Ken Hughes
Clara found out when bike touring that her father was very sick and later had passed away. Even though Clara and her dad didn't have the easiest relationship he would always encourage her to do anything, this is something Clara will always hold onto.
