WINNIPEG, MB—Canada’s most recent Olympic hero speed skater, Cindy Klassen, is beginning to deal with the aftermath of becoming the nation’s most decorated Olympian.

“I don’t think she’s felt the sense of how big this really is,” says George Sourlis of Landmark Sport Group, which represents her, adding demands for appearances and interviews have been “unbelievable. She’s very well-spoken—big smile—and I think she’ll be able to handle it.”

And in the midst of all the extra attention, media interviews and appearance requests following her five-medal performance in Turin, there is one thing that has quietly accompanied Klassen’s contagious smile and down-to-earth personality: her faith in God.

“My faith is just the biggest part of my life and I think that helps me with speed skating,” Klassen told CBC Radio. “Speed skating isn’t the biggest thing to me so when I go into my races or training, I know this is a gift I’ve been given from God, and so I’m going to give it 100 per cent and I just leave it in His hands.”

Not only has Klassen received more attention as a result of her five-medal performance in Turin, she also signed a sponsorship agreement with a Manitoba communications company, MTS. According to Sourlis, the deal will extend beyond the 2010 Games in Vancouver and “it’s probably the most lucrative Olympic athlete deal in the history of the Olympics in this country.”

But those who know Klassen say she’s very grounded, and a little more fame and “fortune” won’t change her a whole lot.

“Obviously, there’s pressure that comes along with it, but she has her head on straight, so I don’t think that will be a problem for her,” says Carmen Kokot, student ministries pastor at North Side Friends Church in Calgary, where Klassen has attended for almost five years.

Kokot was a part of a mission team to Tijuana, Mexico, in 2004 that included Klassen and fellow national speed skating teammates Danielle Wotherspoon and James Monson. The group spent 12 days building houses for needy people.

“Even after our Mexico trip, the media wanted to talk about it, but she was more private,” says Kokot. “I wouldn’t say she’s looking for ways to get attention.”

Klassen rounded out her World Cup season with the finals in the Netherlands (where she won gold in the 3,000 metre) before returning to Calgary for the World Allround Speed Skating Championships on March 18 and 19.

Klassen will have the month of April off, except for going to the gym for conditioning, says Sharon Podatt, director of athlete management for Landmark.

In May, it’s back to dry land training, and then cycling training camps start in June. Then, she’ll be back on the ice in July. With the pressure that comes with success and sponsorships, Klassen will continue to draw strength from her faith.

“She will personally rely on it more to carry her through in what will be a very difficult time for her,” says Podatt. “She is definitely a more down-to-earth person who will need to rely on all the things that got her here.”

“What I’m trying to do is just enjoy it [Olympic successes and new endorsements],” Klassen told CBC Radio. “As long as I keep it fun, I’ll race well and I won’t have to worry about the pressure.”