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Sylvia Burka, speed skater, cyclist, coach (born 4 May 1954 in Winnipeg, MB). Through hard work and determination, Sylvia Burka overcame a visual handicap to become a world-class athlete in two sports. She competed in the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria, and broke a world record in 1,000 m women’s indoor cycling in 1982. Sylvia Burka was inducted in the Canadian Speed Skating Hall of Fame, the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, and Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
Speed-skating
Despite losing an eye in a childhood accident, Sylvia Burka was Canada's national junior speed-skating champion by age 15. Four years later, in 1973, she won the world junior championship.
Ill during the 1976 Winter Olympics, her best result was a 4th in the 1,500 m event. However, she recovered to win the world championship two weeks later. In 1977, she won the world sprint speed-skating title. Her speed-skating accomplishments also include two world records.
Cycling
Sylvia Burka has also competed in international cycling competitions, finishing 4th in the individual pursuit event at the 1977 World Championships. She set a world record (1:14.976) for 1,000 m women’s indoor cycling while training at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium in 1982.
Retirement
After retiring from athletic competition, Burka became a partner and the Financial Officer in Cancore Building Services, and a coach.
Honours
Sylvia Burka was inducted in the Canadian Speed Skating Hall of Fame, the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, and Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
