Kristina Šmigun-Vähi is a sportswoman who is among the world best in cross-country skiing. She has taken part in the Olympic Games 5 times. In 2006 at Torino Winter Olympics she won two gold medals : for 7,5 + 7,5 km double pursuit (becoming the first Estonian woman to win a medal at the Winter Olympics) and 10 km classic distance.
She has participated in the World Championship 8 times and achieved remarkable results: in Val de Femme 2003 she became World Champion of double-pursuit, got a silver medal for 10 km classic, another silver medal for 15 km classic and a bronze medal for 30 km freestyle. In the World Junior Championship she has won 2 gold medals and 4 silver medals. Kristina has participated at World Cup Races 156 times and has stepped on the podium for 49 times out of these for 16 times on the highest step of the podium.

In 2006 the International Olympic Committee (IOC) gave her the title of honor of Sportstar. The Gala of presenting the Sportstar title of honor took place in IOC headquarters in Lausanne Switzerland and the Eurosport channel broadcasted it all over the world.

The Republic of Estonia has rewarded her with the Order of the White Star of First Class. By the words of the President of Estonia she with the winning of her gold medals achieved more in one week than hundreds of politicians and diplomats have achieved in years.

This year, 2010, has been a very special year for her, even after all the important victories. After giving birth to her daughter Victoria Kris and being away for 2 years she made the comeback to the top sports by winning the silver medal in 10 km freestyle in 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics .

She is married, mother to a daughter Victoria Kris and expecting her second child. At present she is arranging the publication of her biography and for 8 years she has been a sponsor of SOS Children’s Village.

”If you have the ambition and a target in front of you and you are willing to work hard then you will achieve a lot. We are the masters of our own will. All your wildest dreams will come true when you are brave and confident and able to stand for yourself.”

These are the words by Kristina Šmigun-Vähi,  the Woman of the Year 2010 nominated by BPW Estonia.