Athletes who make it to the Olympics have inspiring stories of their own but it is often those that strike the heart and spirit that become legends. One such Olympic legend is Dan Jensen, a gifted speed skater who broke world records and persevered to get the gold despite his losses and struggles in life.
As early as age 16 Dan Jansen had already shown his talent in speed skating when he set a junior world record for a 500 meters race in an international competition. He became part of the US Olympic Team after two years and missed the Bronze by only a sixth of a second at the 1984 Winter Olympics. He continued to work on improving his results and became one of the most promising skaters in the 1988 Winter Olympics. Unfortunately, it was also one of the most trying times for Dan Jensen. A few hours before the 500 meter event, he was informed that his sister passed away due to cancer. Despite his loss, he still decided to compete for the 500 meter event. He fell on the first turn and lost his chance for the gold. Still dealing with his grief, he went on to the 1000 meter event where he set off with a great start. Just like his first race, he fell again.
He didn’t win any Olympic medals for skating that year but he was given the US Olympic Spirit Award for the valiant spirit that he showed amidst a heartbreaking loss in the family. He never stopped competing after that and even broke his own world record in 500 meter men skating from 1992 to 1994. He finally got the Olympic Gold medal, and broke a world record at the same time, for the 1000 meter speed skating event in the 1994 Winter Olympics.
Dan’s family and friends were there to support him and cheer him on in his times of struggle. This time, he is giving his support to fellow Olympians by being a part of Team Citi in the Citi Every Step of the Way campaign.
Dan supports the Olympians for Olympians Relief Fund Program which aims to help US Olympians get through tough times like battling an illness, dealing with an injury, or recovering from the effects of a Natural Disaster. You can help Dan champion for the Olympians who are struggling in life. Click on Team Dan at the Cit Every Step of the Way website and give your support to the Olympians for the Olympians Relief Fund.
This post was created in partnership with Citi®. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
He is indeed an inspiration to many people despite all the challenges he arise as a champion. As what the song says what doesn’t kill you make you stronger.
That was an inspiring story!If I were in his shoes, I won;t be able to compete at all and breakdown. But in everything where we persevere, we will reap what we sow.
Despite of the loss, he still continue on competing and got an award for it. I hope many athletes out there are like you!
Great job, Jansen! You’re such an inspiration. 🙂
He will serve as an inspiration to the future young athletes.
Such an inspiring story! Good job citibank on helping and supporting world class athletes!
Good intentions have a good reward. Keep on inspiring and helping people, Sir! i SALUTE YOU!
I want to be like him. He never give up easily and had a confidence that he can do it.
Dan Jensen is such an inspiration! despite the death of his sister,he still chose to skate on. all of his hardwork had been pay off.
Very inspiring. If you really loved doing something, you will never stop doing it, until you succeed. Sometimes, our biggest downfalls in life are the ones that bring us to the top. 🙂
Very inspiring! We need more people like him in this World.
oh oh, that hurts terribly.the show must go on despite what happened.
congrats to everyone and goodluck…
Go! Go! Go! Dan Jensen
You are indeed an Olympic legend Mr. Dan Jensen! You are an inspiration to our young generation.
he should be a role model for those dreaming to be a skater.
good that there are still successful athletes, who are happy and willing to help and support others like him (dan)
Your such a great man!
Very inspiring..
In this article, it really shows that family will always be there to support you every step of the way.
Thank you Dan for the support. You are a blessing to Olympians!
Kudos to all your hard work! Keep it up!
Despite the obstacles that Dan Jensen encountered in his life, he found a way to overcome these and even support the Olympians for Olympians Relief Fund. This should serve as an inspiration to all of us to persevere in life and do our very best.
oh wow its such an inspiring story!! what more can i say . kudos to your hardworks 🙂
Dan Jansen is such an inspiration! Despite of the difficulties, he continue to reach for his dreams. I was very inspired and athletes should know him better.. Fighting!
Dan is an inspiration to US athletes.
Such an inspiration… Good job and more power!
very inspiring story,people should really practice “pay it forward”
inspiration to people even not on sports but on other things in life
Dan Jensen, you are a great model! keep it up! Kudos to CITIBANK!
Mr. Dan Jensen you are truly an Olympic legend and you have a very kind heart. Thank you 🙂
You are a real hero to your country. Your story will serve as a great inspiration to every athletes to pursue their dreams.
Great story! very inspiring.good luck to future Olympics competitions!
giving up is never an option to Dan Jensen! just amazing!
Jensen is indeed an inspiration to all athletes, especially to the aspiring ones. Despite challenges in life, one should keep the faith and do his/her best to win the gold.
good job!jansen your such a hero 🙂
amazing to inspire others
he is a wonderful role model for us , nice one , nice skater.
You are amazing person Dan Jensen!
Just dont give up…
great job!youre such an inspiration!
He showed his skills and potential at the age of 16, I adore him.
it’s okay if he didn’t win any medals atleast he gave his all.
Indeed an inspiration, continue to inspire people, I admire you Sir!
Such a great Man! Very inspiring..
your such an inspiration to all of us
Such a very inspiring story!
A very inspiring man:) And really handsome too:)
It takes a very strong person to withstand to compete despite the heartbreaking news he received. I salute you man.
may this would serve to inspire others especially new generation who have dreams being an athlete
Indeed, an inspiring story of Dan Jensen. It is a great news to know that the support of Citi to the Olympic athletes goes beyond even before or after the Olympics games. Citi supports the athletes if they get on an accident, injury or illness. Bravo Citi and Dan Jensen as well.
You look so good! 🙂
You are such an inspiration to us! Keep inspiring! Keep the spirit!
Dan Jensen’s I’m sure your sister is so proud of you. Another inspiring man to all athletes and those who dream big to achieve their dreams. This campaign is really awesome kudos to citi peeps!!!
Dan Jensen’s story is very inspiring. Athletes all over the globe should hear this.
Uh… so inspiring. especially for the young athlete that strives hard for the best.
Indeed, very inspiring.
Dan Jensen is really an inspiration to everyone.. giving up is not an option.
Good job Dan Jensen & Goodbless.
Now, I’m his number one fan. 🙂
He is a role model! you are an inspiration!
WOW! Very inspiring keep it up!
Keep the fire burning Dan Jensen! It will go a long long way….
Good luck Dan Jensen!
inspiring!
Dan Jensen Thank you for being an inspiration to the young athletes today and for wanting to help your fellow athletes who are in a tough time in their careers. And that telling them giving up is not an option.
Dan is role model that has great passion and determination. Hope this inspires other athletes in achieving the goal..