There is an entire cosmos made of sports stars from all parts of the world — they come from all walks of life, and each of their individual stories shines brightly and uniquely. Every star comes from somewhere, and for some of these stars, their origin lies within the Fraser Valley and its community. When it comes to local sports legends, celebrating their story and achievements is all the more precious and important. One such sports star is the short track speed skating Olympic medalist, Alanna Kraus.
Stories often fade with the passage of time, and in Kraus’ case, it has been years since the last time anything has been mentioned about this incredible athlete and medallist. This changes here, with this rewind in time to bring her story back into stardom.
Born on June 30, 1977 in Abbotsford, B.C., Kraus started short track speed skating with the Matsqui Blades at the age of four. She trained under Coach Jonathon Cavar, and she remained a part of the team for eight years. By the time the new century rolled in, she had joined Canada’s national team, Speed Skating Canada, to compete internationally, becoming fundamental in earning the team a bronze medal for the 2000s World Championship 3,000-metre relay event.
In the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, USA, Kraus qualified and competed in four different speed skating categories. One of her most notable career results was taking home bronze from the 3,000-metre relay tournament. Kraus returned for the 2006 Winter Olympics that took place in Turin, Italy, and managed to snatch a silver medal for the team under the 3,000-metre relay once more. In the years leading up to that silver medal, she had also managed to win bronze at the 2004 World Championships that took place in Gothenburg, Sweden, as well as silver in the team competitions of 2005’s World Championship in Beijing, China.
After competing internationally for nearly a decade, Kraus retired in 2008 and turned her attention to becoming a skating coach in Abbotsford. Kraus’ husband had found a new job at the West Island, and as such, they moved there together, where she became a coach for the Dollard-des-Ormeaux’s speed skating club. Kraus spoke about wanting to help out the club, deciding to become a coach for the young athletes enrolled there.
Kraus is currently based in Montreal, Quebec, along with her husband and three kids. Although her time as an olympian has passed, and her days of short track speed skating competition are done and gone, her shine as a sports star and local legend remain. Her legacy as an athlete within the Abbotsford community was cemented when she was introduced to the Abbotsford Sports Hall of Fame in the class of 2004.
Despite her prolific career and her international success, having earned bronze and silver multiple times for Canada, there has yet to be a complete recount of her origins in Abbotsford, her achievements within and beyond international competitions, and her legacy — Kraus’ story deserved to be revisited and shared.
Alanna Kraus is a bright star hailing from the Fraser Valley — hers is a reminder that great stories surround us — with hard work and dedication she earned her place among the great cosmos of sports stars from all around the world. Alanna Kraus is one local legend indeed.
