Kristina Groves

Four-time Olympic speed skating medalist Kristina Groves started skating when she was 11 because she wanted to distinguish herself from her ski-crazed family.

Twenty years later, in 2007-08, Kristina produced a season to remember, collecting 18 World Cup medals culminating in her first overall title (1500m), a World Championship bronze medal, and an historic five-medal performance at the World Single Distance Championships including gold in the 3000m.

In 2008-2009, Kristina continued her success on the ice, winning her second overall title in the 1500m and producing a three-medal performance at the World Single Distance Championship and Olympic test event at the Richmond Olympic Oval.

At the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Kristina carried a heavy load competing in five events, capturing a silver and a bronze medal to add to the Olympic silver medal in the women's 1500m and Team Pursuit event at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy.

Outside of skating, Kristina is passionate about philanthropic and environmental issues. As an accomplished public speaker and mentor, Kristina visits several elementary schools each year with the Youth Education through Sport program (YES). She is an active environmentalist, committed to limiting her footprint on the earth and donating her time and money to the Clean-Air Champions Campaign.

More information on Kristina can be found at: www.speakers.ca/groves_kristina.html.