Three-time Olympic rowing medalist and 1991 world champion Silken Laumann will be in Whitehorse March 19 and 20.

Laumann will be the guest speaker at an event put on by the Learning Disabilities Association of Yukon (LDAY), featuring a live and silent antique and carpet auction, at the Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre Saturday, March 20.

'We are truly fortunate to have one of Canada's most beloved athletes and sought-after motivational speakers join us for this important evening,' LDAY Executive Director George Green said in a news release. 'Silken is a true champion and a tremendous example of unflagging determination. Her talk, the Courage to Dream, from Agony to Ecstasy, exemplifies what so many people achieve in overcoming learning disabilities.'

In 1992, Laumann was a strong favourite for rowing gold at the Barcelona Summer Olympics but just 10 days before the games, while training in Germany, another rowing scull crashed into Laumann's boat, driving 200 pieces of wood into her leg and threatening an end to her career.

Laumann endured five operations in 10 days and from her hospital bed in Victoria, B.C., set her sights on making it to the Olympics. Ten weeks after the injury, barely off crutches, she inspired the nation as she picked up a bronze medal during one of the most dramatic comebacks in sports. She was subsequently named Canada's outstanding athlete.

'Silken will share her story with us and explain how she overcame what her doctors and many others thought was the premature and tragic end to a glowing rowing career,' said Green. 'We can all learn from her example and apply the same determination to our life challenges.'

Details of a youth event with Laumann will also be announced in the coming weeks.

'I am particularly pleased that while in Whitehorse. Silken will also hold a special event for young people,' Green added. 'She will have her Olympic medals with her and she will talk with the children and sign autographs.'

Northwestel, Air North and Scotia Bank are the major sponsors for the event. Tickets for the March 20 auction are $60 and available from LDAY.