Contemporary Era 1990's - 2000's

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Female athletes in Canada have often had to overcome a scarcity of resources and public support to excel in high performance sport, and many of their most thrilling achievements have reflected personal triumphs over astonishingly difficult circumstances. This was certainly the case when Lori-Ann Muenzer, a thirty-eight year old legal secretary from Edmonton, became the first Canadian cyclist ever to win an Olympic gold medal in 2004.

Despite accumulating thirteen national championship titles, eleven World Cup medals, and three medals at the Commonwealth Games as a track cyclist, Lori-Ann Muenzer did not benefit from formal training or financial support as she prepared for the 2004 Olympic Games. Canada's Olympic Team failed to send a single official to time Muenzer's practice sprints in Athens that year. Worse, training accidents ruined the single set of tires she could afford to supply herself with.

Borrowing replacements from the Australian and French Olympic Teams, she found herself racing on a patched-together bicycle weighing a kilogram more than those ridden by opponents half her age.

Faced with a demoralizing lack of support from Canadian organizers, Lori-Ann Muenzer was painfully aware that nobody expected her to reach the Olympic podium in 2004. Repeatedly turning potential disasters into opportunities for renewal rather than defeat, she became more determined and ambitious in the aftermath of each new challenge she faced. Refusing to give up the lead in the Olympic Match Sprint Final, with Russian cyclist Tamilla Abassova drafting behind her she accelerated to victory in the final lap with apparent energy to spare. Manifesting her own spirited assertion that "believing in yourself is ninety per cent of a result", Lori-Ann had captured the gold medal against all odds. Her stunning victory stands out in the history of Canadian sport, a moving testament to the kind of commanding perseverance that has empowered many female athletes to excel in spite of overwhelming obstacles.

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As an athlete at the elite levels of competition in cycling, Lori-Ann Muenzer focused on thinking about the end result. The 2004 Olympic Games in Athens challenged her resourcefulness and adaptability. She overcame many obstacles on her way to wearing the laurel wreath as the winner.
Collection: CP PHOTO/Adrian Wyld

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At the 2004 Olympic Games Lori-Ann Muenzer was the oldest competing cyclist. She said her age made her both wiser and stronger. She brought her drive and determination to that final sprint race, as well as some well-planned strategy, to win the gold medal.
Collection: CP PHOTO/COC/Andre Forget

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Competitive cycling is about pain, punishment and speed. The bicycle used by Lori-Ann Muenzer in track cycling has a light frame and helps the rider maintain an aerodynamic position while racing. Lori-Ann teaches competitive cycling to young people, instilling in them the values of hard work, dedication, integrity and respect. She believes that working at the grass roots level and mentoring young athletes makes the difference.
Collection: Private Collection - Lori-Ann Muenzer

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Lori-Ann Muenzer started out cycling on an old 10-speed bike, racing along the streets of her hometown of Edmonton. She began her competitive career at age 21, much later than most elite athletes. Her career personifies the word perseverance, as she battled injuries, lack of sponsorship and balancing her work career and sporting career. Her many medals, including the Olympic gold medal, testify to her belief in herself.
Collection: Private Collection - Lori-Ann Muenzer