新澳门开奖结果

30 Greatest Canadian Athletes of All Time

Originally published by Phillip A. in May, 2022 and updated by Faith in March, 2024

In Canada, there are a variety of games and sports. The major professional games include; lacrosse, basketball, baseball, ice hockey, and football. Whereby ice hockey and lacrosse ate the official national sports of Canadians. Great achievements in Canadian sports are recognized by Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. Here are the top 30 greatest celebrated Canadian athletes of all time;

1. Wayne Gretzky-ice hockey player

Wayne Douglas Gretzky is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and former head. He was born on 26th January 1961. He has played about 20 seasons in the National Hockey League(NHL) for four teams from 1979 to 1999. Wayne is nicknamed “the great one,” since he has been referred to as the greatest hockey player ever by many sportswriters, players, the NHL, and by also The Hockey News.

He is the leading goal scorer, assist producer, and point scorer in NHL history. He is the only NHL player to have a total of over 200 points in one season. He also tallied over 100 points in 16 professional seasons. He retired from being a hockey player in 1999 with 61 NHL records held, which include; 40 regular-season records, 15 playoff records, and 6 All-star records

2. Terry Fox-athlete

Terrance Stanley Fox was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and cancer research activist. He was born on  28th July 1958 and later on, he died on 28th June 1981 due to Metastatic osteosarcoma. 

Terry may not have the most title and trophies to show off like other athletes, but he is rather remembered as a great Canadian athlete after his bravery to face something terrifying, he inspires many Canadians still.

In1980, after his leg was amputated due to cancer, he embarked on an east-to-west cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. This quest ended after 143 days, covering almost 5,373 kilometers which eventually resulted in a worldwide legacy.

3. Rick Hansen- track & field athlete

Hansen in 2008, By Urban Mixer (Raj Taneja) –

Richard Marvin Hansen is a Canadian track and field athlete in Paralympic Games, activist, and philanthropist for disabled people. He was born on 26th August 1957. At age of 15, Hansen was involved in a pick-up truck accident that sustained him a spinal cord injury thus becoming a person with paraplegia.

He is famous for his Man in Motion World Tour, in 2006 hew inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and he was also one of the final torchbearers in the 1988 Winter Olympics and 2010 Winter Olympics. He won three golds, two silvers, and one bronze between 1980 and 1984. He is currently the president and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation.

4. Gordie Howe-ice hockey player

Gordon Howe was a Canadian professional ice hockey player, he was born on 31st March 1928 and later on, died on 10th June 2016. He was nicknamed ”’Mr. Hockey”, he was considered one the greatest players of all time.

He played 26 seasons in the National Hockey League(NHL) from 1946 to 1980 and six seasons in the World Hockey Association. He retired in with 801 goals, 1049 assists, and 1850 total points in the NHL records which were later broken by Wayne Gretzky. He is a 23-time NHL All-star.

He is famous for his scoring prowess, physical strength, and career longevity and redefined the ideal qualities of a forward. Howe is the only player to have competed in NHL in five different decades.

5. Ferguson Jenkins-baseball pitcher

Ferguson Arthur Jenkins is a Canadian former professional baseball pitcher and coach, he was born on 13th December 1942. He played Major League Baseball(MLB) from 1965 to 1983 for the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, and Boston Red Sox.

He was a National League and Cubs All-Star for three seasons and in 1971 he was the first Canadian and Cubs Pitcher to win  Cy Young Award. He was a 20-game winner for seven seasons which include six consecutive seasons for the cub, he was also the NL leader in wins and the American league leader. In 1991 he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and he remained the only one until Larry Walker’s election in 2020.

6. Clara Hughes-cyclist &speed skater

Led by Clara Hughes, the Canadian team enters BC Place during the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics, By 2010_Opening_Ceremonies_-_Canadian_athletes_e-

Clara Hughes is a Canadian cyclist and speed skater. She was born on 27th September 1972. Clara has won multiple Olympic medals in both sports, she won two bronze in the 1996 Summer Olympics and four medals throughout three Winter Olympics.

Hughes was named to both the Order of Manitoba and as an Officer of the Order of Canada due to her success in multiple sports and her humanitarian effort. She is also involved with Right To Play, which is an athlete-driven international humanitarian organization that uses sports to encourage the development of youth in disadvantaged areas. 

7. Christine Sinclair-soccer player

Christine Margaret Sinclair is a Canadian professional soccer player, who was born on June 12, 1983. She plays as a forward and a captain in both the National Women’s Soccer League club Portland  Thorns FC and the Canadian National Team. She is an Olympic gold medalist, two-time Olympic Bronze medalist, CONCACAF champion, and 14-time winner of the Canada Soccer Player of the year award. She is the world’s all-time leader for international goals scored for men or women with 189 goals and the most-capped active international footballer with more than 200 caps.

 Sinclair was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2013 and in 2017 she was appointed an officer of the Order of Canada and was awarded the Best FIFA Special Award as the world’s all-time leading scorer. 

8. Nancy Greene-alpine skier

Nancy Catherine Greene Raine is a former Canadian Senator for British Columbia and an Olympian alpine skier, who was born on May 11, 1943, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Greene was voted as Canada’s Female Athlete of the 20th century. She was nicknamed ” Tiger” because of her  ‘go for it ‘attitude and her aggressive style of skiing. 

Greene won the Canadian ski championship nine times and three times the United State Championship. She not only broke the European domination of the sport, hence winning the inaugural World Cup, in 1967 but also won seven of 16 events, taking the overall title with four giant slalom victories plus two in slalom and one in downhill. Her accomplishment earned her Canadian ” Athlete of the Year” honors.

9. Donovan Bailey-sprinter

Donovan Bailey in Cologne 1997-

Donovan Anthony Bailey is a retired Jamaican-Canadian sprinter, who was born December 16, 1967. He was the first Canadian to legally break the 10-second barrier on the 100m. He was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2004 as an individual athlete and in 2008 as part of the 1996 Summer Olympics 4×100 relay team. In 2005 he was inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame.

10. Steve Nash-basketball

Stephen John  Nash is a Canadian professional basketball coach and a former player, who was born on 7th February 1974. He was the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basket Association (NBA).  He played 18 seasons in the NBA, whereby he was an eight-time All-Star and a seven-time All-NBA selection. He was also a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player while playing for the Phoenix suns.

11. Bobby Orr (Ice Hockey)

A picture of Bobby Orr. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Bobby Orr is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who is regarded as one of the best hockey players of all time. He was born on March 20, 1948, in Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada. He started playing hockey at the age of eight, starting as a forward but moved to defense. In his professional career, Orr participated in the National Hockey League (NHL) between 1966 and 1979 and was able to win two Stanley Cups in 1970 and 1972 while playing with the Boston Bruins. As the top defenseman in the NHL, he also went home with eight Norris Trophies and three Hart Trophies. Unfortunately, his career was cut short by knee injuries, which led to his early retirement in 1979. Despite his short career, Orr has always been known for his impact and contributions to the game of hockey.

12. Mario Lemieux (Ice Hockey)

Ice Hockey player Mario Lemieux. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Mario also dubbed 鈥淪uper Mario鈥�, is a former professional ice hockey player from Canada. He was born on October 5, 1965, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Interestingly, Mario began playing hockey at age three in his basement using wooden kitchen spoons as hockey sticks and bottle caps as pucks. Between 1984 and 2005, Mario played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He scored 690 goals and 1033 assists for a total of 1723 points in just 915 regular-season games throughout his career. Mario also won several awards including the Art Ross Trophy and Hart Trophy. In 2006, his career was cut short due to continuous health issues that led to his retirement. 鈥淪uper Mario鈥� legacy continues to be defined by his remarkable talent and contributions to the Pittsburgh Penguins

13. Bianca Andreescu (Tennis)

Canadian Tennis player, Bianca Andreescu. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Bianca Andreescu was born on June 16, 2000, in Mississauga, Ontario. She is known as a professional tennis player from Canada. At the age of seven, Bianca started playing tennis in Romania, the home nation of her parents. She received her breakthrough in 2019 when she defeated several top-ranked players like Angelique Kerber and Elina Svitolina to win the tournament. Bianca’s hard work has earned her a career-high ranking of No. 4 in the world. Despite facing various injuries, Bianca still showed her remarkable talent when healthy.

14. Hayley Wickenheiser (Ice Hockey)

A picture of Hayley Wickeheiser. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Hayley Wickenheiser was born on August 12, 1978, in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, Canada. She is a former ice hockey player, resident physician, and assistant general manager for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Hayley began playing minor ice hockey on boys鈥� teams when she was five years old. She was a member of Canada women’s national ice hockey team for 23 years and she is the team’s career points leader with 168 goals and 211 assists in 276 games. She also represented Canada in five Winter Olympics, winning four gold medals and one silver medal. Hayley played professional men’s hockey and became the first woman to score a goal in a men’s professional league in Canada. She retired in 2017 but continued to be active in various sports activities.

15. Larry Walker (Baseball)

Larry Walker in the field. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The former Canadian professional baseball player, Larry Walker was born on December 1, 1966, in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. His career spanned 17 years, from 1989 to 2005. Throughout his 17-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career, he played with the Montreal Expos, Colorado Rockies, and St. Louis Cardinals, finishing with a total of 2160 hits, 383 home runs, and a 313-batting average. He was also elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020, becoming just the second Canadian player to receive the award. Larry is still considered one of the greatest Canadian players in MLB history.

16. Daniel Nestor (Tennis)

Tennis player Daniel Nestor. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Daniel Nestor is one of the most accomplished Canadian doubles tennis players in history. He was born on September 4, 1972, in Belgrade, Yugoslavia which is now known as Serbia. He achieved remarkable success during his career which spanned over two decades. Daniel won 91 men鈥檚 doubles, 8 Grand Slam men’s doubles titles, and 4 Grand Slam mixed doubles titles. He became the first man in history to win every major and Masters event, the Tour Finals, and the Olympic gold medal. He also became the world’s No. 1 ranking in doubles for a total of 91 weeks. His successful career came to an end when he retired in 2018. He has since been involved in charitable initiatives and is a mentor to the upcoming tennis players.

17. Cindy Klassen (Speed Skating)

Cindy Klassen speed skating.  , , via Wikimedia Commons

The former Canadian speed skater, Cindy Klassen was born on August 12, 1979, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She began her sports career as an ice hockey player but quickly switched to speed skating when she was not selected for the 1998 Winter Olympics. Throughout her career, she showcased her incredible skills by winning 46 World Cup medals, including 21 golds. She was the only Canadian in history to win a medal in all four skating disciplines at the Olympics- sprint, middle distance, long distance, and team pursuit. Cindy has received various accolades, demonstrating that her accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. Besides speed skating, Cindy has been involved in various charitable events. She has also been an ambassador for various organizations and has mentored young upcoming athletes.  

18. Maurice Richard (Ice Hockey)

A picture of Maurce Richard. , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Ice hockey player Maurice Richard, popularly known as 鈥淩ocket,鈥� was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on August 4, 1921, and passed away on May 27, 2000. Maurice played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Montreal Canadians. He became the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals in one single season, achieving this feat in 50 games in 1944-1945. He was also the first to reach 500 career goals. Richard was named the 100 Greatest NHL players in history winning several accolades such as the Hart Trophy. He retired in 1960 but remained involved in various sports activities. His skills in Ice hockey continue to inspire the upcoming young generation of hockey players.

19. Lennox Lewis (Boxing)

Lennox Lewis, the well-known boxing commentator and former professional fighter, was born on September 2, 1965, in West Ham, London, England. He represented Canada as well as the United Kingdom during his career. Lewis had a record of 41 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw over his whole career. Most of his victories were against Vitali Klitschko, Mike Tyson, and Evander Holyfield. He always referred to himself as “the pugilist specialist,” standing at an imposing 6’5″ with an 84 reach and fought at around 245 lbs. at his prime. After his retirement, he involved himself in various business ventures and philanthropic activities. He continues to be one of the greatest heavyweight boxers, motivating other boxers.

20. Mike Weir (Golf)

Mike Weir is a famous Canadian professional golfer who is currently playing on the PGA Tour champions. He was born on May 12, 1970, in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. His first sport was hockey, he was a natural left-handed shot, and he later started playing golf left-handed following his hockey experience. His breakthrough came in 2003 at the Masters Tournament held at Augusta National Golf Club. Mike has won a total of eight PGA Tour events throughout his career. Between 2001 and 2005, Mike spent over 110 weeks in the top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking. Aside from golfing, Mike spends time giving back to the community through his foundation which supports children’s health and wellness initiatives. He continues to stand out as one of the most inspiring Canadian golfers.

21. Penny Oleksiak (Swimming)

 Canadian swimmer Penny Oleksiak was born on June 13, 2000, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She received her breakthrough during the 2016 Summer Olympics, where she became the first Canadian to win four medals in the same summer just at the age of 16. Oleksiak won seven more medals at the World Aquatics Championships in 2017 and 2019 to build on her breakthrough achievements. She has also competed in other World Championships and Commonwealth Games, earning more medals. She currently holds the junior freestyle records for both Canada and the world. Penny is a role model to several young athletes and an inspiration to a new generation of Canadian swimmers.

22. Alexandre Despatie (diver)

Alexandre Despatie is a famous Canadian diver, born on June 8, 1985, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. At the tender age of five, he started diving in his backyard pool, and he advanced swiftly through the sporting ranks. Despatie specialized in the 3m springboard event, winning back-to-back Olympic silver medals in 2004 and 2008. He also won nine Commonwealth Games gold medals across his career from 1998 to 2014. Alexandre took home 13 medals from the World Championships, two of which were gold in the 3 m springboard in 2005 and 2017. After his two careers which spanned over two decades, Alexandre retired from diving in 2013 and transitioned to a career in sports broadcasting.

 23. Andre De Grasse (Sprinter)

Andre is a successful Sprinter from Canada. He was born on November 10, 1994, in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. From a young age, Andre rose to fame as an athlete in the track and field world. Andre has received a silver medal in the men鈥檚 200, finishing just behind the greatest sprinter of all time, Usain Bolt. He has also won bronze medals in the men’s 100 meters and the men’s 4*100 meters relay. He earned several other awards including the gold medal in the men鈥檚 100 meters and the bronze medal in the men鈥檚 100 meters at the 2015 World Championships in Athletics. He has achieved so much just at the age of 28 years old adding the Olympic and World Championship ship gold medals under his belt. He has become an icon in Canadian athletics because of his numerous achievements that have led to his success.

24. Simon Whitfield (Triathlon)

A picture of triathlete Simon Whitfield. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The retired Canadian Olympic triathlon champion was born on May 16, 1975, in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. He started playing soccer as a young boy until he began playing triathlon at age 11. At the age of 15, he was pursuing a triathlon on a serious competitive basis. He rose to fame at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where he won the gold medal in the men鈥檚 triathlon event. He became the first-ever Olympic champion in the sport of triathlon. In 2004 he won the silver medal in the men鈥檚 triathlon. He also won other incredible international competitions including winning the ITU Triathlon World Championship in 2000 and captured multiple medals in the Commonwealth Games. Simon continued to be active in sports as a coach, mentor, and ambassador even after he retired.

25. Ellie Black (Gymnast)

Ellie Black is a Canadian artistic gymnast who was born on September 8, 1995, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Ellie began gymnastics when she was nine years old after watching Gymnastics at the 2008 Summer Olympics. She was also training in figure skating but decided to focus on gymnastics. She received his breakthrough in 2015 at the World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, where she won a silver medal. Throughout her career, Ellie represented Canada in the Olympic Games Commonwealth Games, and World Championships. Through all these games, Ellie has received several gold medals and bronze medals. She has established herself as one of the finest Canadian athletes of all time thanks to her amazing accomplishments in important international events.

26. Eugenie Bouchard (Tennis player)

Tennis Player Eugenie Bourchard. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Eugenie Bouchard is a Canadian professional tennis player. She was born on 25 February 1994. Eugenie started showing interest in playing tennis at the age of five. She became a member of Tennis Canada鈥檚 National Training Centre in Montreal. She received her breakthrough in 2014 when she reached the Wimbledon final, becoming the first Canadian singles player, to reach a Grand Slam singles final. Her hard work made her achieve a career鈥揾igh ranking of No. 5. Throughout her career, Eugenie has competed in various Grand Slam tournaments and has represented Canada in Fed Cup competitions. Despite her injuries, Eugenie continues to remain a powerful figure in the world of Canadian tennis.

27. Andrew Wiggins (basketball player)

Andrew Wiggins is a Canadian basketball player for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association. He was born in 1995 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  Andrew began playing organized basketball when he was nine. When he was 13 years old, Wiggins dunked a basketball for the first time. During his high school period, Wiggins gained a lot of attention and recognition. He received numerous honors, including being named the Naismith Prep Player of the Year and Gatorade National Player of the Year 2013. He became the second Canadian to be selected No.1 generally in an NBA draft. As a starter for the Western Conference, Wiggins earned his first NBA championship and was chosen for his first NBA All-Star game. He was a member of the national squad for Canada as well.

28. Damian Warner (Decathlon athlete)

Decathlon athlete Damian Warner.  , CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Damian Warner, a decathlete from the Great White North, is a Canadian successful athlete who was born on November 4, 1989. At an early age, he made a spectacular debut on the track and field scene, displaying his amazing talent and determination. Damian has won two brilliant Olympic medals, five World Championship badges of honor, and numerous record-breaking achievements including Canada’s decathlon record. He has also participated in the Commonwealth Games. His outstanding success and achievements make him a prominent figure in Canadian athletics.

29. Patrick Chan (Figure skater)

Patrick Chan was born in 1990 under the Wintry skies of Ottawa. He is a well-known Asian Canadian figure skater who has gained recognition for his outstanding accomplishments. At a very young age, Patrick was put on skates and he quickly became well-known for the magic he performed on ice. Chan has won three times as a World Champion and has two shiny Olympic silver medals to prove all his success. He also broke the world record in the brief program. Patrick is now among the most famous Canadian figure skaters athletes who continue to inspire and motivate the new generations.

30. Marc Kennedy (Curler)

Canadian curler Marc Kennedy. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Marc Kennedy, a renowned retired curler from Canada has come a long way in his sports career.  He was born on February 5, 1982, in St Albert, Alberta, Canada. Marc began curling at a very young age and quickly established a reputation for himself with his remarkable skill and constant dedication to the sport. One of his notable accomplishments came at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. March has won several gold medals and silver throughout his career. He has also had success in the World Championships and the Canadian Curling Championships. He retired in 2018 and since then he has been involved in coaching and remained an accomplished prominent figure in the world of curling.