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 Speed Skating Canada
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Date of Birth: 01/03/66 |
Place of Birth: Winnipeg, MB |
Residence: Calgary, AB |
Height: 5'8" |
Weight: 137 lbs |
Years on National Team: 12 |
Susan Auch's been busy since she overcame a serious leg injury and won her second consecutive Olympic silver medal
in the 500-metres in Nagano. After the Games, Auch announced her retirement. However she caught the competitive bug
again and strapped on the long blades 13 months later.
So far it's been a tough, uphill battle to regain the form that put her at the top of the world in the mid '90s. Last season Auch
placed ninth in the World Cup 500 standings and 20th in the 1,000.
Auch was perhaps slowed last season by another ambitious endeavour which took place a few months earlier. She
attempted to make the 2000 Olympic track cycling team but just fell short in her bid to become one of the very few to
compete at both a winter and summer Games.
In 1995, Auch was named Canada's female athlete of the year by the Canadian Press. That season she beat the great
Bonnie Blair to win her first World Cup race. Last year, Auch won the Bruce Kidd Award, presented each year to a senior
national team athlete who has demonstrated athletic excellence and ethical leadership on and off the playing field. Auch
has contributed to numerous youth programs such as the Canada Games, the Spirit of Sport Wall Tour and the YMCA
Partners with Youth Program. She also has a park named after her in Winnipeg.
Auch, who suffers from asthma, is also a spokesperson for the Canadian Lung Association.
Salt Lake City will be Auch's fifth Olympics. She raced the demonstration short track races in 1998 at Calgary, then the long
track in 1992, 1994 and 1998.
What Canada Did
Feb. 17 - Women's 1,000 metres: Susan Auch, Calgary, was 27th.
Feb. 14 - Women's 500 metres: Susan Auch, Calgary, was 21st in a final field of 31.
Feb. 13 - Women's 500 metres: Susan Auch, Calgary, was 20th in a field of 31.
More Susan Auch Stories
Auch speeds toward finish line
Marshall, Auch clinch 1,000-metre berths
She's ready to Auch 'n' roll
2002 Games Long Track Speed Skating Coverage
