Awards and Accomplishments
| c. 1971 | Won Illinois state championship in speed skating for age group |
| 1985-94 | U.S. sprint champion |
| 1986 | Set world's record in 500 meters |
| 1987 | Won World Cup in 500 meters and 1000 meters |
| 1988 | Won gold medal in Olympics speed skating in 500 meters—set world's record—and won bronze in 1000 meters |
| 1989 | Won the World Sprint Champions |
| 1992 | Won gold medals in 500 meter and 1000 meter at Olympics in speed skating |
| 1993 | Won gold in 500 meters at World Championships |
| 1994 | Won gold medals in 500 meters and 1000 meters at Winter Olympic Games in speed skating; won gold in 500 meters and 1000 at World Sprint Championships and World Cup; named Babe Zaharis Female Amateur Athlete of the Year; named Sportswoman of the Year by Women's Sports Foundation |
| 1995 | Set 500 meters speed skating world record at Calgary; retired in March as speed skater; named Sportswoman of the Year by Women's Sports Foundation; won world sprint championship |
| 1997 | Given Sports Humanitarian Award, World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame |
Where Is She Now?
After retiring from skating, Blair had two children (son Grant and daughter Blair), worked as a motivational speaker, and wrote a book about her accomplishments, A Winning Edge (1996). She remained connected to speed skating by serving as a coach and conducting clinics. Her husband, Dave Cruikshank, was also a speed skater and she served as his technical consultant. Blair continued to serve on the board for U.S. Speed skating and also worked for the Olympic Committee. She did some television commentary for speed skating. In addition, Blair was active in charity work and continued to do some commercial endorsements for companies like General Mills products at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.
User Comments Add a comment…
about 1 year ago
Question: We have a group of Boy Scouts going to Whitewater, Wi for a retreat to focus on leadership and we are looking for a quest speaker to talk about leadership and staying focused on goals. It is not far from where Bonnie lives and I have heard her speak in the past. How do you think I could ask Bonnie to speak to a group of Boy Scouts? It would be in early December. We don't have alot of money, however we could pay her something. Thank you for your assistance. Kate