Cindy Klassen Quotations

We both skated the races of our lives today.

She went out and just lit it up. She had a great race.

I felt really bad for her after the 500. You never want to see that happen with any skater. She's a great athlete. It's really special for her to win this gold medal.

Gold is great. Having two Canadians on the podium is awesome.

It can be hard to get motivated after the Olympics but once you get to the line you're in race mode. I have to admit though that I've been feeling a little homesick as well.

It could be anybody's day. I'm going to keep an open mind. Hopefully, the 1,500 will go well. I think (the 1,000) was a good sign for the 1,500 ... I'm looking forward to it.

I think we both really felt so proud to be Canadian at that moment.

My only goal coming here was to do better than Salt Lake and I've already done that.

I was truly overwhelmed to represent the most successful Canadian Olympic Winter Games team ever.

I was excited to race her because she is such a strong skater. It really motivated me to do well.

I'm so happy to be home right now. Winnipeg is such a great city. It's such a strong community and I felt the support throughout the whole entire Games.

That was incredible. It's something you always dream of. Having two Canadian flags up there was a really special feeling. It was so awesome to have both of us up there. I can't describe it.

I am honored to be selected as Canada's flag bearer for the closing ceremony of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games. Over the past 16 days we've had some outstanding performances by Canadian athletes and it is truly overwhelming to be selected as the flag bearer amidst the most successful Canadian Olympic Winter Games team ever.

I've won a medal, but that's nothing compared to the crown I'll get in Heaven. I see a lot of people in sports who think when they reach a certain level they've got it made, but really, you can only find happiness in the Lord.

The Canadians have really stepped it up these Olympics. It looks very promising for Vancouver.

We're all doing it for the love of the sport. We want to make Canada proud. I'm so fortunate to skate in a country like Canada.

Coming into the Games I knew I was in five events but I didn't expect to get a medal in every distance, especially the 5,000.

I'm so proud of how well Canada did at the Games here. It think we're going to do even better in 2010.

Growing up, you always dream of winning a gold medal. But coming into these Games, it wasn't something I was focused on. I'm just enjoying skating. This is the best season ever. I think that this year, my 3,000 meters has been stronger than the 1,500. The 1,500 has been anybody's race this year. When I was first, I still didn't know if that was enough.

Finishing fourth, you're almost there, you've almost got a medal. I think going into the next Games, it gives you confidence. Coming fourth feels terrible at the time because you're on the verge of getting a medal. But you also know you're so close that you can do it.

I used to hate the 1,500 because you basically have to pace yourself and the last lap is so hard. It's like you've hit a wall. But I learned to really enjoy it now. I learned a lot from Neal. He taught me how to race it differently, too, so I'm starting to really enjoy that race.

It was very nice of them, but it's weird having attention like that because I'm just not used to it. Sometimes, people will be staring and I'll think, 'Why are they staring at me? Maybe there's something on my face or something.' It is all kind of strange.

Racing down the last corner and going down the home stretch I thought in mind that Anni could come by me at any point. I just wanted to stay together, keep my technique strong and finish strong.

It's awesome to be home. It was the longest trip I've been on - I'm just anxious to sleep in my own bed.

I know that they're all praying for me and really backing me up and that just means the world to me.

I'm hopeful to get one day off to relax in Calgary before preparing for the worlds. But it's all up to my coach. I'm really excited about coming home and seeing everyone and being back in the comforts of home.

I had a decent race but I just didn't feel very comfortable. It was an exciting race and it went right down to the line for second place. So from that aspect it's looking good for me heading into the world championships.

I look back and it couldn't have gone any better.

I didn't know it would be good enough.

I can't wait to see my hometown again, and I am thrilled to have the chance to see the crowd at the MTS Centre. The support and encouragement I have received have been overwhelming, and I look forward to the opportunity to personally share with everyone just how much it has meant.

Her and I have really pushed each other to new levels this season.

The ice was tough. I started off at a pace that I thought I could hold. But I died at the end.

The Games couldn't have gone any better. I'm so happy with how I did and also with how well my teammates did.