In 1992 the Commonwealth Games were held in Victoria, and in recognition of that, a number of great athletes had the title of Doctor of Laws bestowed upon them. I had the honor to write the oration for Sir Roger Bannister, John Landy and Silken Laumann.

The Oration No one ever doubted Silken Laumann's courage and determination. She chose to compete in the demanding sport of rowing and achieved early success in quadruple skulls and an Olympic bronze medal in the 1984 double skulls. In 1985 she developed a chronic back injury, which threatened to bring a premature end to her rowing career. Her response provided an early indication to the depth of her resolve, to her love of rowing and her refusal to succumb to physical pain. Douglas Malloch noted that, "Courage is to feel the daily daggers of relentless steel and keep on living". Silken sought treatment and worked on rehabilitation until the "daily daggers" receded and she was able to return to her sport, this time in the lonely discipline of single skulls. As a single skuller, her skill and dedication were rewarded with national and world championships and wide recognition, including the Lou Marsh Award as Canada's outstanding athlete. By 1992 she was poised to crown her career with an Olympic gold medal, when her leg was shattered in a freak rowing accident in Germany. It's been said that sport doesn't build character but reveals it. Silken's fortitude and focus were revealed as being quite extraordinary. Twenty seven days after the accident, having undergone five operations, she literally crawled across the boat dock and into her rowing shell to resume training. Against all expectations she rowed in the Olympic Games and placed third. W. E. Henley wrote: In the fell clutch of circumstance, I have not winced nor cried aloud; Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody but unbowed. The name of Silken Laumann has become synonymous with courage, and she has been an inspiration to countless Canadians. Many of her skills have been honed in Victoria and it is with pride that I submit the name of Silken Laumann to be granted the degree Honorary Doctorate of Laws, Honoris Causa.

For many athletes growth seems to fade when they finish their competitive careers. But Silken has just moved from one area of challenge to the next. The passion that she once used to propel her rowing skull faster than anyone in the world, is now being channeled into her work and joy as a speaker, writer, mother and as a powerful advocate for children. Silken started The Silken Laumann Active Kids' Movement (Sept.2004) as a not-for-profit organization designed to promote the health benefits of physical activity, and to inspire and support Canadians wishing to increase physical activity levels in our children.

Silken is a friend [click], whom we're delighted to feature in 'Well'.

Click on Silken's picture, above, to read the Canadian Health and Lifestyles interview. Canadian Health & Lifestyle magazine is the only national digest that focuses on health and wellness, fitness, self improvement, nutrition - including regular columns from a nutritionist, a pharmacist and a personal life coach. Delicious, healthy low-fat foods and recipes can also be found. Canadian Health & Lifestyle has it all. This issue features Silken Laumann creating a new passion with the power of play. Click here to go to their site. Click the logo for subscription information:

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