Cindy Klassen, a retired Canadian long-track speed skater, is happily married to her husband, Matt.
Klassen, born on August 12, 1979, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is one of Canada’s most celebrated speed skaters.
She originally pursued ice hockey but switched to speed skating after not making the 1998 Olympic hockey team.
Her breakthrough came in 2002 when she clinched a bronze medal in the 3000 meters at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.
A year later, she became the first Canadian in 27 years to win gold at the World Allround Speed Skating Championships.
In 2005, Klassen dominated the World Single Distance Championships, taking home golds in both the 1500 meters and 3000 meters.
Her most remarkable achievement was at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, where she won five medals: a gold in the 1500 meters, silvers in the 1000 meters and team pursuit, and bronzes in the 3000 meters and 5000 meters.
She continued to excel with a gold at the 2006 World Allround Championships in Calgary.
Despite facing significant challenges, including a severe injury in 2003 and double knee surgeries in 2008, she persevered and won a gold medal in the team pursuit at the 2011 World Championships.
Klassen retired in 2015 with six Olympic medals, multiple world titles, and several world records, securing her status as one of the greatest speed skaters in history.
After retiring, she earned a psychology degree and joined the Calgary Police Service as a constable.
A Look at Cindy Klassen’s Journey from the Ice to Motherhood with Her Husband by Her Side
Cindy Klassen, one of Canada’s most illustrious speed skaters, transitioned smoothly into family life after a stellar athletic career.
She is married to her husband, Matt, whom she met while serving as a police officer in Calgary.
Despite her public accomplishments, Matt remains a private figure, with little information available about his early life or career.
Additionally, the specifics of their marriage, including the date, remain undisclosed, as they have chosen to keep it private.
Together, they have two children, Phoebe and Gideon. As of 2024, Phoebe is 4-years-old, and Gideon is 2.
After Phoebe was born, Cindy decided not to return to her police duties following maternity leave.
Instead, she focuses on her family, embracing the joys and challenges of motherhood.
Cindy’s approach to parenting is centred around allowing her children the freedom to pursue their interests. She once shared:
It would be awesome if she liked skating, but I just want her to have fun, and the most important thing is she just stay active.
Via Winnipegsun
Her perspective reflects her desire for her children to find joy in their passions rather than feeling pressured to follow in her footsteps.
When asked about the challenges of motherhood compared to her career as a world-class athlete, Cindy admitted:
Well, I am sleep deprived quite a bit but it’s the most amazing thing ever in my life. I’m just, just the joy that I have in being a parent like my husband and I, we just can’t believe like every day, there’s a new experiece for her to like she’s just like learning about the world and and we’re just so in love with her and so happy.
Via Facebook
In 2022, Cindy, her husband Matt, and their daughter Phoebe made a public appearance at the Fort Garry Hotel. Cindy was honoured for her Olympic achievements and contributions as a philanthropist.
Cindy and Matt are now cherishing their family life, raising their two children with love and gratitude after her remarkable career in sports and public service.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- At just 2 years old, Cindy Klassen started skating after her father gave her a pair of skates and a handmade hockey stick.
- Cindy received her early education at Maple Leaf School in Winnipeg.
- She currently lives in Airdrie, Alberta, with her family.
