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Canada's best ambassador winner: Clara Hughes

Canadian athlete Clara Hughes waves to fans during the Olympic Heroes Parade.

Clara Hughes retired in 2012 as one of Canada's most successful and decorated Olympian
competing in both Summer and Winter Games, but she'll always hold a spot in the hearts of Canadians.

Hughes brought sincerity to the term Olympic Movement. She did so not because she incredibly
collected six medals as a cyclist and speed skater in as many Olympic Games. Rather, she did it with class, grace and a competitive streak that allowed her to dig deep when needed. Hughes' medal haul and her role as a trailblazer in turning over her Olympic bonus money to charitable causes made her a champion in the eyes of Canadians and the international sporting community.

"Clara is a fantastic role model. She represents what is good about being a Canadian," wrote one reader.