Clara Hughes

Clara Hughes (alchetron)

Clara Hughes is a Olympic Speed Skater and a Cyclist from Canada. Clara has won six Olympic medals in the Summer and Winter Olympics and was the only Canadian athlete to win the Olympic medals in the summer and the winter Olympic games. A hero is to me is one on that has done something courageous and brave and caring and who has helped other people out in some way. I chose Clara because she has done all of these things that I think is a hero and she has inspired all these people who have depression to not give up and to keep on going .

Clara's childhood - Clara was born on September 27, 1972 in Canada she had one sister called Dodie and her parents are Ken Hughes and Maureen Hughes. She grew up in Winnipeg. She started to get into the wrong group at school and started stealing in grade 3 and in grade six she started to steal cigarettes and alcohol, drinking and smoking. She then started running away from home and missing school.

Her depression - As she kept on training and training she became isolated and depressed. Se became ashamed how she looked and who she was. It was easier not to be around people and she started being really afraid and alone but with help from the team doctor, she conquered her health issues. I think this shows great courage to be so brave.

Now Clara has retired on February 24, 2010. She has written a book called Open Heart, Open Mind about depression and a spokesperson for the Let's Talk campaign for people with depression. I am very impressed how Clara has used her fame for a good cause. For Clara, success means more than earning medals. It means having a voice and using the opportunity to reach out and help others. When she uses this voice, it's loud and clear. That is one of Clara's quotes.