Dan Jansen, Olympic speed skating champion, was named the Blackhawks' Skating Coach on August 15, 2005.
Jansen reached the pinnacle of the skating world at the 1994 Olympic Games when he was awarded the gold medal in the 1000m speed skating competition. In addition, he has been a member of four United States Olympic teams (1984, 1988, 1992, and 1994) and was inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame in 2004. Jansen is an eight-time World record holder in the 500m and 1000m speed skating events, while compiling 46 World Cup victories and more than 75 World Cup medals. He is a seven-time Overall World Cup Champion and a two-time World Sprint Champion. Jansen is also the winner of 20 World Championship medals.
In 1994, Jansen established the Dan Jansen Foundation, which contributes to youth sports, educational programs and victims and families afflicted with leukemia and related cancers. Jansen was the 1995 recipient of the James E. Sullivan award that is presented annually to the outstanding amateur athlete in the United States. He is an accomplished motivational speaker having delivered over 500 inspirational presentations. Furthermore, Jansen is an experienced television broadcaster whose credits include: 2002 Winter Olympics (NBC), 1998 Winter Olympics (CBS), and Summer and Winter Goodwill Games.
Dan and his wife, Karen, who is a top golf teaching professional, have two daughters, Jane and Olivia. |