Lauren Woolstencroft
Born: November 24, 1981
Place of Birth: Calgary, Alberta
Major Notes:
Lauren Woolstencroft set a record in the 2010 Winter Paralympics by winning five gold medals.
Woolstencroft was handicapped in that she was born without a full left arm and no legs below the knees
Nevertheless, she started skiing at the age of 4 and entered her first ski tournament ten years later.
In between that time Woolstencroft had competed as a horseback rider.
She lost interest with that sport and a friend suggested she try racing on skiis.
Woolstencroft's skiing career began when she joined and raced for the Alberta Disabled Ski Team.
She won her first Olympic gold medal in alpine skiing at the 2002 Winter Paralympics.
In 2005, Lauren Woolstencroft qualified to receive a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Victoria.
Woolstencroft competed in the 2006 Paralympics where she continued to add to her medal count.
In 2007, she was inducted into the Terry Fox Hall of Fame.
Expected to retire after the 2006 games, Woolstencroft instead decided to work toward participating in the 2010 Paralympics hosted by Canada.
Woolstencroft proved to be a team leader at the event and her winning so many medals set personal and team records for Canada.
In honour of her 2010 Paralympic performance, Woolstencroft was chosen to be Canada's flag bearer at the closing ceremonies.
Lauren Woolstencroft's accomplishments were a result of determination, hard work, and talent overcoming what some would consider handicaps.
For detailed research and more information, check out the following:
Government of Alberta
CBC
Wikipedia
Paralypic Movement
BC Hydro
Canadian Living
National Speakers Bureau
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Last Updated: February 18, 2011
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