Sylvie Daigle

The youngest child in a family of six, Sylvie Daigle began competing in speed skating events at the age of 17, winning 3 gold medals at the 1979 Canada Winter Games. Her passion for the sport, however, had begun at the age of 9, when she went to a local arena to sign up for the women’s hockey team. When she discovered that the trainer intended to form a speed skating team, however, she focused her energies on that sport instead. Her Olympic career began in 1980 and she participated in five consecutive Winter Olympic Games. Knee operations in 1985 and 1987, however, forced her to switch from long to short track speed skating beginning at the 1988 Games. Although it was only a demonstration sport that year, Daigle took home five medals, gold in the 1500 metres, silvers in the 1000 and 3000 metres and bronze in the 500 metres and the 3000 metre relay, showing her promise in the sport. At the next Winter Games, short track speed skating was introduced as an official event and Daigle’s dedication and perseverance paid off; she won gold and silver in the 3000 metre relay in 1992 and 1994 respectively. Daigle was a serious contender in the 500 metre event in 1992, but a collision with Cathy Turner cost her a medal.

Daigle began her studies in medicine after the 1992 Games, but put them on hold to compete in 1994. She retired from the sport after these games and obtained her medical degree from the Université de Montréal in 1998, having been All-around World Champion in speed skating five times.

Personal Bests: 500 – 41.69 (1986); 1000 – 1:25.04 (1983); 1500 – 2:11.2 (1984); 3000 – 4:42.9 (1983); 5000 – 8:17.00 (1983).