Famous Canadian Athletes

Ben Johnson is a Canadian former sprinter who achieved great success in his career. He held the title of the world's fastest man during the 1987–88 season, breaking multiple world records. He won the 100 meters at the 1987 World Championships in Athletics and the 1988 Summer Olympics, although the latter victory was later disqualified due to doping. Johnson also won medals at various prestigious events such as the Olympics, World Indoor Championships, Goodwill Games, and Commonwealth Games. He was trained by renowned coach Charlie Francis.

Tom Longboat was a renowned Onondaga distance runner from the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario. He achieved great success as a long-distance runner, earning the title of the "bulldog of Britannia." Longboat's athletic prowess made him a dominant figure in the running world. Additionally, he served as a soldier in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War, showcasing his bravery and dedication beyond the realm of sports. His professional life was marked by remarkable achievements in running and service to his country.

Donovan Bailey is a retired Jamaican-Canadian sprinter known for once holding the world record for the 100 meters. He achieved Olympic glory in 1996 with a time of 9.84 seconds, making him the first Canadian to break the 10-second barrier in the event. Bailey's exceptional speed was highlighted by his record-breaking run at the 1996 Olympics, where he reached a top speed of 12.10 m/s. He is a celebrated athlete who was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame and the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame for his remarkable achievements in sprinting.

Percy Williams was a Canadian athlete who achieved great success in sprinting during the 1928 Summer Olympics. He won gold medals in the 100 and 200 meters races and set a world record in the 100 meters sprint. Williams' accomplishments solidified his reputation as a talented and skilled sprinter on the international stage. His impressive performances at the Olympics and his world record in the 100 meters cemented his legacy as one of the most notable athletes in Canadian sports history.

Mohammed Ahmed is a Canadian long-distance runner known for his impressive achievements in the sport. As a three-time Olympian, he has made history by being the first athlete from his country to medal in the 5000 meters at both the World Championships and the Olympic Games. With multiple medals at the Commonwealth Games and a Pan American championship under his belt, Ahmed has solidified his reputation as a top competitor in long-distance racing. He holds various records and has earned a reputation as one of the fastest runners in history.

Aaron Brown is a highly accomplished Canadian sprinter known for his expertise in the 100 and 200 meters. He has achieved significant success as a member of Canada's 4x100m relay team, winning Olympic medals in 2016 and 2020, as well as becoming the World champion in 2022. Additionally, Brown has secured World bronze medals in relay events in 2013 and 2015. Individually, he has earned a silver medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the 200m category and has a track record of winning junior championship medals early in his career.

Edrick Floreal is a renowned track and field coach for the Texas Longhorns men's and women's programs. He is also a retired long and triple jumper from Canada, known for his exceptional skills in the sport. With a successful athletic career behind him, Floreal has transitioned into coaching, where he applies his expertise to guide and mentor young athletes. His achievements in the field serve as a testament to his dedication and passion for track and field, inspiring those around him to strive for excellence.

Heather Moyse is a versatile Canadian athlete who has achieved remarkable success in various sports disciplines. She is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, excelling as a bobsledder. Moyse has also competed internationally in rugby union and track cycling. At the Canadian intercollegiate level, she showcased her talent in rugby, soccer, and track and field. Known for her athleticism and dedication, Moyse's professional journey is characterized by her accomplishments across multiple sports, making her a respected figure in the world of athletics.

Fanny "Bobbie" Rosenfeld was a Canadian athlete renowned for her achievements in various sports. She excelled in track and field, winning a gold medal for the 100-metre relay and a silver medal for the 100-metre at the 1928 Summer Olympics. Additionally, she showcased her talents in basketball, hockey, softball, and tennis. Recognized for her athletic prowess, she was named the "Canadian woman athlete of the half-century" in 1949. Her legacy lives on through the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award, and she was posthumously inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.

Jay Silverheels was a Canadian actor and athlete who gained fame for his portrayal of Tonto, the Native American sidekick of the Lone Ranger in the American Western TV series The Lone Ranger. He was a descendant of three Iroquois nations and became a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for his groundbreaking representation of a Native American character on television. Silverheels' performance as Tonto contributed to the show's success and helped shape the portrayal of Native Americans in popular culture during his time.

Stefanie McLeod Reid MBE is a distinguished track and field paralympian representing Canada and Great Britain. Specializing in category T44 long jump and sprint events, she has achieved remarkable success at European and world competitions. Notably, Reid has secured multiple medals, including a bronze in the 200m at the 2008 Summer Paralympics and a silver in the long jump at the 2012 Summer Paralympics. Her impressive athletic prowess and dedication to the sport have solidified her as a respected figure in the paralympic community.

Earl John "Tommy" Thomson was a Canadian athlete specializing in high hurdles. He made history by becoming the first Olympic gold medalist in the 110m hurdles from outside the United States in 1920. Thomson served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War I and later pursued a coaching career. He coached the United States Naval Academy track and field team for 36 years. Thomson was also involved in designing safer hurdles to prevent injuries in the sport. He was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 1955.

Phylicia George is a versatile Canadian athlete known for her accomplishments in both track and field and bobsledding. She has made a name for herself as a skilled Olympian, showcasing her speed and agility in various competitions. With a successful career in both sports, Phylicia has become a respected figure in the athletic world. Her dedication, hard work, and determination have helped her achieve numerous accolades and solidify her reputation as a top performer in both track and bobsledding events.

Andre De Grasse is a highly decorated Canadian sprinter with a remarkable track record in major international competitions. He has achieved significant success at the Olympics, World Athletics Championships, Pan American Games, and NCAA Championships. De Grasse is known for his exceptional performances in the 100 m and 200 m events, holding multiple medals in both disciplines. He has set Canadian records and is recognized as one of the fastest sprinters in history, consistently delivering podium finishes throughout his career.

Lascelles Brown is a highly accomplished bobsledder who has competed for three countries since 1999. He made history as the first Jamaican-born athlete to win a Winter Olympic medal. Known for his exceptional skills as a brakeman, Brown has competed in multiple Winter Olympics, earning medals in both two-man and four-man events. Throughout his career, he has formed successful partnerships with renowned bobsleigh pilots, achieving notable victories at World Championships and Olympic Games. Brown's talent and dedication have solidified his reputation as one of the top brakesmen in the world.

Lou Marsh was a Canadian athlete, referee, and sports journalist who made significant contributions to the field. He played a key role in the development of sports journalism in Canada during his 43-year tenure at the Toronto Star. Marsh's expertise and passion for sports allowed him to provide insightful coverage and analysis, earning him respect and recognition in the industry. He was a pioneer in his field, leaving a lasting impact on Canadian sports journalism and setting a high standard for future generations.

Bruny Surin is a Canadian former track and field athlete known for his exceptional sprinting abilities. He achieved great success in the 4x100 metres relay event at the 1996 Summer Olympics, winning a gold medal and later being inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. Surin is also recognized for breaking the 10-second barrier multiple times in the 100 metres event, boasting a personal record of 9.84 seconds. His impressive performances and accomplishments have solidified his legacy as one of Canada's most celebrated sprinters.

Desai Williams was a Canadian sprinter who achieved success in track and field, winning an Olympic bronze medal in the 4 x 100 metres relay at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. He set personal best times in the 200 metres and 100 metres events during his career. Williams trained with the Scarborough Optimists Track Club and later worked as a speed coach for the Toronto Argonauts, training various Olympic athletes. However, his coaching career faced controversy, leading to his dismissal by Athletics Canada in 2015 and a lifetime ban in 2018.

Mark McKoy is a Canadian retired track and field athlete known for his outstanding achievements in hurdles events. He won the gold medal in the 110 metres hurdles at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and was a titleholder at various prestigious championships. McKoy set multiple records during his career, including the World record for the 50 metres hurdles and Canadian records in the 60 metres hurdles and 110 metres hurdles. His professional life is marked by a legacy of success and excellence in the sport of track and field.

Phil Edwards, MD, was a renowned Canadian and Guyanese track and field athlete specializing in middle-distance events. Known as the "Man of Bronze," he achieved significant success as Canada's most-decorated Olympian and the inaugural recipient of the Lou Marsh Trophy for top athlete in Canada. Following his athletic career, he served as a captain in the Canadian army and established himself as a respected physician with expertise in tropical diseases. Edwards left a lasting legacy as a multifaceted professional excelling in both sports and medicine.

Velma Springstead was a Canadian track and field athlete who achieved notable success during her career. She won the gold medal in high jump at the 1925 Canadian Track and Field Championships and was part of the first women's track and field team of Canada to compete internationally. Following her untimely death, she was posthumously honored with the creation of the Velma Springstead Trophy. In recognition of her accomplishments, she was inducted into the Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.