10) Mike Weir
Mike Weir is one of the country’s greatest golfers and athletes of all-time. Weir is the only Canadian male to ever don the prestigious Masters’ Green Jacket, which he did in 2003 with his enthralling playoff victory over Len Mattiace. A winner of the Lou March award in 2003, Weir spent over 110 weeks in the Top 10 of the Official World Golf Rankings between 2001 and 2005.
9) Nancy Greene
Recently voted as Canada’s Top Female Athlete of the 20th Century, Nancy Greene had it all. Her charismatic, never-say-die attitude – paired with her graceful technique – enthralled fans and critics alike. The winner of the first ever World Cup ski race in 1967, Greene followed up that exciting victory with a gold medal at the Winter Olympic Games in Grenoble, France – breaking the European domination that had for so long plagued the sport. Though retired since 1970, Greene still holds the record for World Cup victories by a Canadian skier.
8) Ferguson Jenkins
Starting with Ferguson Jenkins, Canada has produced baseball stars, too. Jenkins, whose sterling 19-year career ended with a 3.34 ERA, 286 wins, and three All-Star selections, was the first Canadian to win the Cy Young Award, as well as the country’s first Baseball Hall of Fame member in 1991. In 1974, Jenkins became the first baseball player to win the Lou Marsh award.
Embarking on a journey across Canada, Terry Fox’s legend has and will continue to live as one of the greatest Canadian athletes of all-time.
Originally from Manchester, Jamaica but raised in Oakville, Ontario, Donovan Bailey is arguably the fastest Canadian of all-time. A former world record holder in the 100m sprint, Donovan Bailey won two gold medals for Canada at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, and was the first Canadian to run the 100m in under 10 seconds. The 1996 Olympic winning time of 27.07 miles per hour (12.10 metres per second) was the fastest ever recorded at the time.
6) Clara Hughes
Cycling or speed skating, Clara Hughes has proven that she can do it all, no matter the season. Hughes is one of only five people to have podium finishes in the Winter and Summer Olympic Games, and is the only person to have ever won multiple medals in both games. Her six Olympic medals – including a gold in 2006 in Turin – ties teammate Cindy Klassen for most all-time by a Canadian athlete.
5) Bobby Orr
Billed by many as the “greatest hockey player of all-time”, Bobby Orr left an immeasurable mark on the game. During his time with the Bruins and Blackhawks, the Parry Sound native tallied eight consecutive Norris trophies for best defenceman and three Hart Trophies as NHL MVP. Orr is the only defenceman to earn the Art Ross trophy for most points scored, and singlehandedly changed the way the game was played from the backend.
4) Steve Nash
An eight-time NBA All-Star and two-time recipient of the NBA’s MVP Award, recently retired Steve Nash is the greatest Canadian basketball player to hit the hard court. A winner of the 2005 Lou Marsh award and owner of the highest career free throw percentage in NBA history, Steve Nash’s legacy goes far beyond what he achieved in the NBA, as his play inspired a generation of Canadians to pick up a basketball and believe.
3) Gordie Howe
Known as “Mr. Hockey,” Howe played an astounding 26 seasons of NHL hockey with the Detroit Red Wings. The definition of a class act, the 23-time All-Star holds the NHL records for most games and seasons played. A winner of four Stanley Cups and six Art Ross trophies, Howe was a pillar of longevity, retiring gracefully at the ripe age of 52.
2) Terry Fox
Terry Fox is one of the most inspirational sports figures in Canadian history, with a timeless legacy. Diagnosed with cancer in 1976, Fox refused to let the illness dictate his life, and in 1980 began the Marathon of Hope, a cross country trek with the goal of raising funds and awareness for cancer research and treatment. Terry lasted a remarkable 143 days and 5,373 kilometres, and to this day, $600 million has been raised in his name.
1) Wayne Gretzky
Coined as “The Great One,” Wayne Gretzky holds essentially every offensive statistic under the sun, including points, goals, and assists. The Brantford, Ontario native didn’t just break NHL records – he obliterated them. Simply put, Gretzky has more career assists than any other player has points, and is the only NHL player to total over 200 points in one season – a feat he accomplished four times.