Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, March 19, 1995 TAG: 9503210070
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: CALGARY, ALBERTA LENGTH: Short
Blair finished well ahead of the pack at 38.87 seconds, but just shy of her 38.69 record set here in February.
She did achieve her goal going into the weekend invitational tournament of bettering her time in the 1,000 meters. She shaved her old U.S. record of 1 minute, 18.31 seconds to 1:18.05 in what was her final race.
About 25 family members and friends who made the trek to Calgary's Olympic Oval sang ``Happy Birthday'' and ``My Bonnie'' as the world champion - who turned 31 on Saturday - warmed up for the last two races of her career.
``I'm sad to be leaving the sport, but I also know I'm ready,'' Blair told a boisterous crowd at a brief ceremony.
Her voice cracked as she recalled her career, which included five Olympic gold medals. Event officials read a letter from President Clinton congratulating her, and she was presented with a Calgary-trademark white Stetson.
Blair has helped make sprint speedskating a glamour event in North America - unlike in Europe where distance skaters tend to get the glory. She has amazed those in her sport with consistent drive and determination, even when she didn't have a competitor on her heels.
``I think it's because she has done it for fun and she discovered that a lot of her fun was in competition,'' said her mother, Eleanor.
After an overdue vacation, Bonnie Blair plans to take to the motivational speaking circuit and intends to work with young speedskaters in Milwaukee.
by CNB