COC Photo: Mike Ridewood

Sinclair wins Lou Marsh

Christine Sinclair’s remarkable year just got better. The two-time Olympian and 2012 soccer bronze medallist was awarded the prestigious Lou Marsh Award which is annually presented to Canada’s top athlete.

Sinclair stood out during Canada’s remarkable run at the 2012 London Games. The team captain and arguably one of the greatest players of all-time, lead the entire field with a record six goals on the way to helping her team win Canada’s first team medal since 1936.

The Burnaby, BC native captured the imagination of a country by recording a hat trick against the United States in a semifinal game that many soccer pundits called the greatest women’s game ever player. Although Canada would wind up controversially losing that game 4-3 in overtime, Sinclair’s ability to step up on the biggest stage and at the most important time cemented her legacy as a big game player.

After the women’s soccer team’s extraordinary performance in a 1-0 win against France, the Canadian Olympic Committee named Sinclair as the Closing Ceremony flag bearer.

Setting a personal and Canadian record with 23 goals in a season in 22 games in 2012, Sinclair now sits third all-time with 143 internationals goals and is in striking distance of Mia Hamm’s record of 158.

The 29-year-old adds to her list of accomplishments this year which include CBC Canada’s Athlete of the Year and the recipient of the inaugural Air Canada Athlete of the Year.