Olympic rower Silken Laumann has been a constant presence in the Canadian athletic world for more than two decades. Now retired, she won Olympic medals in 1992 and 1996 and also won the World Championship in 1991. She recently spoke to students in Durham and took time out to answer our 10 Questions:
1. Do you remember the first media interview you gave and what is the difference now when giving one?
I don't remember the first, but it must have been leading up to the 1984 Olympics when I was 18 years old. My sister and I were rowing together at the Olympics. Now, media interviews are just a part of my life. It's bizarre to even think that way, that as a rower, that kind of media attention would be focussed on a low-profile sport. Still, 10 years after retiring, media is something I do on a weekly basis.
2. Do you miss competing?
I miss being that good at something. I miss the black and white nature of being an athlete. You wake up in the morning and know exactly what you are focused on. It's a very focused existence. Life outside of sports is complex and there are so many different priorities pulling you in different directions. But I am very content in my life. I have other goals and dreams in my life that mean as much to me as my Olympic dreams.
3. What holds more significance to you: World Champion or Olympic medallist?
It's not for me whether it's a world championship or Olympic race, it's the race itself. The 1991 World Championship was an incredible moment in my life and is as special as my Olympic medal.
4. What is your personal highlight in looking back at your competitive career?
The moment of revelation came the year before I won the World Championship. I was ranked seventh in the world. In the semifinal of a race I beat the World Champion, silver and bronze medallist. It was a moment where I realized what was possible. That moment really stands out because it revealed possibility.
5. You are considered a role model. Who were yours growing up?
Nadia Comaneci for sure. Role models in the sport of rowing were my older sister Danielle and Andrea Schreiner who rowed at the time. I had a lot of role models in my teachers. My teachers influenced me tremendously because I was a student who had a lot of challenges academically in my early years.
6. What do you like to do when you are away from the spotlight?
I like to read. I like to think. I like to journal. I write every day. I love being with my children. My children are a real joy to me. I practise yoga. Yoga and walking are my meditative pieces.
7. Eat in or take out, and what is your favourite meal?
I prefer eat in. Probably Thai food.
8. If you could go to a concert who would you like to see?
I would like to go to the Neil Young concert that is playing in a month but it's sold out.
9. What is the message you want to leave with people when you give a motivational speech?
That they have their own unique abilities and that their job in life is to live those abilities, to define them and have the courage to follow them. To believe in them. I believe every human being is unique and has something special to offer the world.
10. What does the future hold for you?
I think I will be doing more writing. I will do some television. The active kids movement is growing and is something I hope to have a bigger impact on bringing back neighbourhood play.