Relatives of James Chichester-Clark, Clark's family had been settled in Upperlands in County Londonderry for generations, where they owned a substantial linen mill.
She has represented the United Kingdom in various world events, most notably winning an Olympic silver medal in the 3000m pursuit in Beijing and a gold medal in the team pursuit at the 2008 and 2009 Track World Championships.
Grew up on the Culnady Road, Upperlands- less than 2 miles from the centre of the village, and attended Culnady Girls' Brigade, an organisation run by the Church.
She went to Ampertaine County Primary School in Upperlands and Rainey Endowed Grammar School in Magherafelt.