Hockey isn't the only place Manitoba will be represented on Olympic ice.

Winnipegger Heather McLean has been named to the Canadian speed skating team, and will compete in the 500 metre and 1,000 metre races.

It'll be her fourth time heading to South Korea, but her first Olympics. McLean says she's trying to treat it like any other competition.

"The World Championships were actually in the Olympic venue last year. So I've been there, I've skated a really important competition there, so I'm kind of going in there thinking about that."

McLean says she's excited to be around the other athletes and to experience the Olympic environment.

She qualified in Calgary, where speed skating qualifying wrapped up this week. McLean was pleased with her 1,000 metre performance but wasn't thrilled with how she did in the 500 metre.

"I really didn't have the kind of race I wanted to (in the 500), so I was disappointed with my race but at the same time happy I made the Games. And then a couple days later I actually raced in the 1,000, had a great race and qualified in that distance, too. So then I was really relieved and really happy after the 1,000."

Getting to reach for the top herself, while inspiring young athletes is a dream come true, says McLean.

"Role models are what kept me in sport. Role models, they're who inspired me and what kept me going. So for me to be in that position is inspiring for me, to have that impact on other girls, because that meant so much to me."

On the heels of McLean being announced as part of the team, local women Andrea Katz and Allison Gervais are teaming with the Susan Auch and Manitoba Speed Skating Association to put on a Strong Girls on Ice event on January 28th. It's for girls aged 5-17, costs $16, and no previous skating experience is required.