Bio

From broken bones and shredded muscle to Olympic glory… Silken's story is one of courage, perseverance and the triumph of the human spirit.

In May 1992, just 10 weeks before the Olympic Games, Silken Laumann was injured in a brutal rowing accident that left her right leg shattered and useless. Reigning world champion in Single Sculls rowing, Silken was told by doctors she might never row again.

Twenty-seven days, five operations, and countless hours of gruelling rehabilitation later, Silken was back in her shell, ready to pursue her Olympic dream. When the starter's pistol rang out on August 2, 1992, Silken made the greatest comeback in Canadian sports history, winning the bronze medal for Canada, and capturing the hearts of a nation.

Silken retired from rowing in 1999 with three Olympic medals, and since then has continued to inspire, encouraging people to dream, live in the moment and embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.

“In ten weeks she made the greatest comeback in Canadian sports history, becoming a symbol of hope to all.”

The Montreal Gazette

Outstanding Achievements

    1996 Silver Medal – Atlanta Olympics
    1992 Bronze Medal – Barcelona Olympics
    1991 World Champion – Single Sculls Rowing
    1984 Bronze Medal – Los Angeles Olympics

Honorary Doctorates: University of Victoria, McMaster University, University of Windsor, Laurentian University,

2006 & 2007 CAAWS Most Influential Women in Sport and Physical Activity
2006 Globe and Mail list of most influential women in Canada
2006 Women's Executive Network - Most powerful women
2003 National Child Day Award
1998 Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame
1997 Wilma Rudolph Courage Award (first non-American to receive the award)
1991 and 1992 Canadian Press Female Athlete of the Year
1991 Lou Marsh Award - Canada's Outstanding Athlete