Courage
in Motion
Four months after competing
in her very first race, Silken Laumann tried out for the National Rowing
Team, 1982, and won a spot. The second child of Hans and Sigitta Laumann,
who immigrated to Canada from Germany, 1960, Silken epitomizes the meaning
of hero and competitor, courage and dedication, inspiration and passion.
Born, Mississauga, Ontario, 1964, Silken, Bronze Medalist with sister Danielle,
Double Sculls, Los Angeles Summer Olympics, 1984 Bronze medalist, Single
Sculls, Barcelona Summer Games, 1992 (10 weeks after a serious leg injury
in a regatta accident) and a Silver medalist, Single Sculls, Atlanta Summer
Olympics, 1996, was voted Canada’s Athlete of the Year, 1991, after winning
the World Cup Title. Recipient of many awards, including the Harry Jerome
Comeback Award and the Wilma Rudolph Courage Award, 1997, Silken Laumann,
who retired from competition, 1999, was inducted into the Canadian Sports
Hall of Fame, 1998. [Photo, courtesy The Toronto Star]