Catching up with Speed Skater Bonnie Blair

by Diana Winingder and Courtney Allison

The only American woman to win 5 Olympic gold medals in the Winter Games, Bonnie Blair is a woman with many victories. In March of 1994 Blair became the first woman to break the 39-second barrier. She retired on her 31st birthday as the reigning women’s world sprint champion.

This petite brunette captured America’s hearts with her modesty and grace on the winner’s podium. Blair now spends her time as a motivational speaker.

Contour: Have you ever gone through a period of self-doubt?

Bonnie: Yes and no. I have had times that were pretty frustrating, like the 1991 season. I tried to keep focusing on the positives. Sometimes when you get caught in the negatives they snowball on you. I think as an observer it’s important to have good fans. It is nice to know the crowd is behind you. I had a big cheering crew but they were mostly my family.

Contour: What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment outside of winning 5 gold medals?

Bonnie: I’m proud of things on different levels. I am a mother now, I am very proud of having two kids. It’s a whole new realm of pride. My brother has a brain tumor and I have done a lot of fund raising with the Brain Tumor Association. I want to help my brother, but mainly people in the future to find a cure. My sister has Hepatitis C and I have also done some work with the American Liver Association. My dad had cancer so I also do some fund-raising for cancer. Since I am sort of a celebrity it makes a little bit of a difference. I am happy to help anyway I can.

Contour: What is the hardest part about being a celebrity?

Bonnie: I am pretty lucky because I have the best of both worlds. My sport wasn’t as public. Some people know me but it’s hit-or-miss. It was never too much so that I could always enjoy being Bonnie Blair. (Laughs) I wouldn’t want Michael Jordan status. It was nice that I had a good reputation, unlike Tonya Harding.

Contour: Did you face any challenges being a woman athlete?

Bonnie: I was pretty lucky because my sport wasn’t affected by the male versus female dichotomy. We were treated exactly the same. I had it easy in school with scholarships and stuff, I didn’t have to deal with Title 9 or anything. At the time there weren’t many male speed skaters.

Contour: How did you motivate yourself to beat your own records so many times?

Bonnie: I had a clock to focus on. My goal was to always beat my best time. It’s easy to measure yourself with a clock. I also worked hard to remember different facilities and to always do better in each place than I had before.

Contour: Why did you decide to retire?

Bonnie: I felt it was the right time. I did well beyond what I ever dreamed of. I was lucky enough to have success and be happy and healthy. No injuries.

Contour: The country fell in love with your attitude and modesty, what is your secret?

Bonnie: I am the youngest of 6 kids so I followed in my brothers’ and sisters’ footsteps. It is all about how we were brought up. I learned early on how to win and lose graciously. I owe it all to my family and upbringing.