Famous Canadian Athletes

Indigenous Canadian actor Jay Silverheels gained international popularity for playing Tonto, the Native American companion of the protagonist in the American western TV series The Lone Ranger. As a young man, he excelled in athletics and became a lacrosse player. He later quit sports to pursue acting. He bred and raced Standardbred horses as a hobby. 

Donovan Bailey is a retired Jamaican-Canadian sprinter. He once held the world record for the 100 meters and is considered the greatest Canadian sprinter of all time. Noted for his top speed, he became the first Canadian to legally break the 10-second barrier in the 100 meters. In 2004,  he was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.

Born to NHL forward Thomas Steen, Alexander Steen followed in his father’s footsteps to become a professional ice hockey player. The Canadian-born Swedish player, however, outshone his father by winning the Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues. He later retired from the sport due to a back injury.