Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame
The Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame presented by RBC recognizes Team Canada Olympians, Coaches and Builders who embody the Fundamental Principles and Values of Olympism with distinction.
Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame Class of 2019
Alexandre Despatie is the first Canadian man ever to win an Olympic medal in diving. Despatie continues to promote the values of Olympism even after his retirement by sharing the stories of today’s Canadian athletes as a media broadcaster in addition to his charity work.
Christine Girard is Canada’s first Olympic champion in the sport and the first Canadian woman to win an Olympic medal in weightlifting. Her bronze medal (Beijing 2008) and gold medal (London 2012) were awarded several years after the Games when athletes who had initially placed ahead of her were disqualified for doping. Now a passionate advocate for anti-doping in sport, Girard shares her story and is actively involved in discussions with domestic and international anti-doping advocates.
Emilie Heymans is the first Canadian summer Olympian to win medals at four consecutive Games. Following her athletic career retirement, she also shared the message that life as an athlete is not always easy, but that no matter what you do in life, it is essential to always persevere and face your fears.
Hiroshi Nakamura was Team Canada’s judo head coach at five Olympic Games (1976, 1984, 1988, 2000, 2004) and is responsible for the establishment of judo as a competitive sport in Canada. Sensei Nakamura helps run the Nakamura Gill Foundation which raises thousands of dollars each year to support talented young judokas who need financial assistance and provide classes for young adolescents with integration difficulties and free judo sessions.
Jack Poole
Builder
2019
Jack Poole was largely responsible for bringing the Vancouver 2010 Games to Canada as volunteer Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver 2010 Bid Corporation, and was the Chairman of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). His work ensured that a generation of Canadians could pursue their Olympic dreams at home, and continue to compete and win all across the globe.
Canada's national women's soccer team overcame a disappointing result at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup to not only qualify for London 2012 but win an Olympic bronze medal. It was Canada's first Olympic medal in a traditional team summer sport since 1936. The dramatic victory in the bronze medal game renewed the national passion for soccer and Canada would go on to host the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup and be part of a successful bid to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Randy Starkman
Builder
2019
For so many Canadian Olympians and national team athletes, Randy Starkman was the journalist they most trusted to tell their stories and humanize them for the fans who so often saw them as heroes. His colleagues have referred to him as being the “gold standard of Canadian Olympic sports journalists”, a selfless human being and a man of exemplary values and immense personal character.
Simon Whitfield made history in his Olympic debut at Sydney 2000 where he unexpectedly became the first ever Olympic champion in men’s triathlon. He went on to win silver at Beijing 2008. Whitfield was named Team Canada’s flag bearer for both the Closing Ceremony at Sydney 2000 and the Opening Ceremony at London 2012. Since his Olympic triumph, there has been a massive growth in triathlon participation in Canada, making it one of Canada’s fastest growing sports. He also works with charities encouraging health and physical fitness in youth.
Canada's national women's hockey team won gold on home ice at Vancouver 2010, earning Canada its third consecutive Olympic gold medal in women's hockey. The team conceded just two goals in the five games they played in the tournament and defeated Team USA 2-0 in the gold medal game - the only time in women's Olympic hockey history that one North American rival has shut out the other.
Members of the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame
Since 1949, the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame has inducted 438 athletes, teams, coaches, and builders in recognition of their outstanding Olympic achievements and their embodiment of the Olympic values.
Download a comprehensive list of Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame Members here.
2019 Inductees
Alexandre Despatie is the first Canadian man ever to win an Olympic medal in diving. Despatie continues to promote the…
Christine Girard is Canada’s first Olympic champion in the sport and the first Canadian woman to win an Olympic medal…
Emilie Heymans is the first Canadian summer Olympian to win medals at four consecutive Games. Following her athletic career retirement,…
Hiroshi Nakamura was Team Canada’s judo head coach at five Olympic Games (1976, 1984, 1988, 2000, 2004) and is responsible…
Jack Poole
Builder
2019
Jack Poole was largely responsible for bringing the Vancouver 2010 Games to Canada as volunteer Chairman and Chief Executive Officer…
Canada's national women's soccer team overcame a disappointing result at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup to not only qualify…
Visit the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame
Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in Calgary houses the largest collection of Summer and Winter Olympic Games artifacts in Canada, including the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame.
Visit the Canadian Olympic Experience
Experience the thrill of competition at the Canadian Olympic Experience in Montreal; an interactive museum that honours our country’s athletes.
