December 11, 2007 (Vancouver, BC) – The Canadian Olympic Committee announced today that Olympian Nathalie Lambert (short track speed skating, Montréal, Que.) has been appointed as Canada’s Chef de Mission for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.

A three-time Olympic medallist, Lambert, 44, and her teammates skated to a gold medal in the 3,000-metre relay at the Albertville 1992 Olympic Winter Games, and she was given the honour of being Canada’s flag bearer at the Games’ closing ceremony. Two years later in Lillehammer (1994), Lambert collected silver medals in both the 1,000m and 3,000m relays.

“I am truly honoured to have been selected as Canada’s Chef de Mission for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games,” said Lambert. “To lead our Canadian Olympic Team into our own Home Games in Vancouver will be an experience of a lifetime. I look forward to working closely with the Canadian Olympic Committee over the next two years, providing optimum support for Canada’s athletes and coaches as we strive to own the podium in 2010.”

Lambert first participated in the Olympic Games when Calgary played host to the XV Winter Games in 1988. Short track speed skating was introduced as a demonstration sport and Lambert and her teammates finished third in the women’s 3,000m relay.

“As an Olympic gold medallist, a four-time Olympian, an Assistant Chef de Mission and speed skating icon, Nathalie Lambert is the ideal choice to lead Canada in 2010,” said COC President Michael Chambers. “Her passion for sport and competition matched with her knowledge and wisdom through Olympic experience will serve as an immeasurable tool for Canada’s team in Vancouver.”

Lambert retired from competition in 1997 but remained involved in the Olympic movement through her work on various COC committees, which led to her role as Assistant Chef de Mission for Canada at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

Inducted into the Quebec Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2002, Lambert has also been a member of the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame since 1992.

As Chef de Mission, Lambert’s chief responsibility over the next two years will be to provide overall leadership to the Canadian Team at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

The Canadian Olympic Committee is a national, private, not-for-profit organization committed to sport excellence. It is responsible for all aspects of Canada’s involvement in the Olympic movement, including Canada’s participation in the Olympic and Pan American Games and a wide variety of programs that promote the Olympic Movement in Canada through cultural and educational means.

For more information visit www.olympic.ca.