Champion profile - Crystal Phillips
	Sport:     Speed Skating - Long Track-middle distances   Community:     Calgary, AB   Languages:     English, French   Why the environment is important to me:     Growing up as an athlete has taught me the value of health. My addiction to feeling fit and healthy is what inspires me to study healthy living and graduate as a natural nutritionist. I am now looking forward to motivating and educating others on how to live a healthier life for themselves and for the environment.   Why I'm a Clean Air Champion:     I love the outdoors and hiking, running, skating, skiing, rafting are among the many activities I find very therapeutic. They leave me feeling happy, grateful and revitalized. I'm passionate about preserving and improving the environment for future generations to enjoy as I am able to. With this in mind, I am determined to be pro-active in lessening my carbon footprint while encouraging others to do the same.   Career Highlights   Introducing Crystal Phillips:     I excelled at speed skating from the start at age 8. I went on, in both long track and short track, to win several championships and break provincial and national records. In 2003, at 16, I was the only non- Quebec skater to make the Canadian Junior World’s. That same year I won a bronze medal in the 1000m at the Canada Winter Games. I was also chosen to represent Canada in China at an invitational competition. My future in skating looked bright until I was thrown an unexpected curve ball. I lost all feeling and mobility from my chest to my toes for 4 months. Eventually I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and thought I would never skate again. Three years later, I look at the set back as a blessing in disguise as I've gained many strengths in skating and in life as a result. Presently I continue to skate long track. I am on the Alberta Provincial team with the dream of representing Canada again in the sport that I love.   Top performances:     Finishing 3rd at Canadian Short Track Junior Trials which qualified me to represent Canada at the Junior Worlds in 2003 Won a bronze medal at the Canada Winter Games in the 1000m for Short Track-2003 Canadian and North American Age class champion from 1996-2000 Alberta Skater of the Year in 2001-2003   Career and interests:     Natural Nutrionist -Volunteered with the Green Party in the 2008 provincial election and learned a lot about the current environmental issues, concerns and potential solutions. -Am the team captain and founder of the largest and top fundraising team in the Calgary MS Bike Tour and one of the largest and top fundraising teams in North America, raising over $150 000 in the years 2006-2008 -I have recently been asked to speak at “Go Girl”, an organization to help self confidence among young teenage girls. I will speak in November 2008. outdoor activities, music, sports, cooking   Visit Crystal's web site:       To learn more about Crystal's sport, visit:     www.speedskating.ca