Four time Olympic Medalist SILKEN LAUMANN on overcoming profound adversity after her accident, perseverance, the triumph of the human spirit, and so much more!

Breaking Brave with Marilyn Barefoot

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, AWARDS, HONOURS

1996 Silver Medal – Atlanta Olympics

1992 Bronze Medal – Barcelona Olympics

1991 World Champion – Single Sculls Rowing

1987 Gold Medal - Pan American Games (Single Sculls)

1984 Bronze Medal – Los Angeles Olympics

Honorary Doctorates: University of Victoria (1994), McMaster University (1994), University of Windsor (1997), Laurentian University (1998), Western University (2013)

2015 Inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame

2010 BC's Top 100 Women of Influence

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: Top 100

2006 CAAWS Most Influential Women in Sport and Physical Activity

2004 Inducted into BC Sports Hall of Fame

2004 Etobicoke Rotarians Lifetime Achievement Award

2003 CAAWS Most Influential Women in Sport and Physical Activity

2003 Canadian Institute of Child Health Award

2003 National Child Day Award

2002 Queens Golden Jubilee Medal

1999 Inducted into Mississauga Hall of Fame

1999 Mississauga Sports Award

1999 FISA's Thomas Keller Award - Outstanding Career in Rowing

1998 Inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame

1997 Wilma Rudolph Courage Award (first non-American to receive the award)

1995 Canadian Olympic Order

1994 Meritorious Service Cross

1993 Mississauga Civil Award of Merit

1993 Canadian Olympic Association Award of Merit

1992 Harry Jerome Comeback Award

1992 Victoria Athlete of Year

1991 & 1992 Canadian Press Female Athlete of the Year

1991 Lou Marsh Award - Canada's Outstanding Athlete

1984, 1990, 1991 & 1992 Ontario Athlete of the Year

1984, 1988 & 1992 Mississauga Athlete of the Year

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