1. Early life and athletic beginnings
Susan Margaret Auch was born on March 1, 1966. From her early years, she developed an interest in winter sports, leading her to pursue both long track and short track speed skating as competitive disciplines. Her dedication to these sports would eventually lead her to represent Canada on the international stage.
2. Competitive career
Auch's competitive career spanned several decades, showcasing her versatility in both long track and short track speed skating. She consistently performed at an elite level, achieving significant success in major international competitions, most notably at the Winter Olympic Games.
2.1. Olympic achievements
Auch competed in a remarkable five Winter Olympic Games. Her Olympic journey began at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, where she earned her first Olympic medal, a bronze in the 9.8 K ft (3.00 K m) relay in short track speed skating. She continued to excel in long track speed skating, securing silver medals in the 1640 ft (500 m) event at two consecutive Winter Olympics: the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, and the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.
2.2. Later career and retirement
In 1999, Susan Auch initially announced her retirement from competitive speed skating. However, she later decided to reverse this decision and returned to compete in her fifth Winter Olympics, the 2002 Winter Olympics held in Salt Lake City. Despite her determined comeback, she did not reach the podium. Following her participation in the 2002 Olympics, Auch officially retired from competitive sports, concluding a long and distinguished career.
3. Post-athletic career
After retiring from competitive speed skating, Susan Auch transitioned into other areas, including a venture into the political arena.
3.1. Political activities
In 2011, Auch engaged in political activities, running as a candidate for the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba in the Assiniboia constituency during the 2011 Manitoba general election. She finished in second place in the election, behind the New Democrat candidate, Jim Rondeau.
4. Legacy and honors
Susan Auch's significant contributions to Canadian sports have been recognized through various honors and memorials, cementing her legacy as a prominent figure in speed skating.
4.1. Memorials and tributes
In recognition of her achievements and lasting impact on the sport, the long track speed skating oval in Winnipeg, her home city, has been named the "Susan Auch Speed Skating Oval". This facility serves as a lasting tribute to her career and her contributions to speed skating in Canada.
4.2. Hall of Fame inductions
Auch's illustrious career has led to her induction into several prestigious sports halls of fame:
- She was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in 2003.
- In 2010, she was honored with induction into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame.
- Her contributions were further recognized in 2015 with her induction into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
5. See also
- Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and Museum