Famous Canadian Sports Personalities
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Though Ice hockey is the most popular sports in Canada, the country has produced some great athletes in various sports who have left their impression on the minds of fans all over the world. The list of famous Canadian Sports Personalities would be incomplete without the mention of Lionel Conacher who won laurels for his country in football, baseball and ice hockey. The famous athlete was nicknamed ‘The Big Train’. Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe are two among the most famous ice hockey players the country has seen. Ben Johnson who held the record of being the fastest man in the world during the 1980s was a Canadian. While mentioning famous Canadian Sports Personalities, it is imperative to name Jacques Villeneuve, the famous race car driver; and Mike Weir who has made a niche for himself among the top 50 golfers in the world. The names of athletes like Terry Fox and Kurt Browning will be remembered fondly among sports lovers. Not lagging behind, the female Sports Personalities of the country such as Lela Brooks, Ethel Cartherwood, Nancy Greene and Myriam Bedard have earned international acclaim. Here we present to you a collection of biographies of some of the most famous Canadian Sports Personalities. To know more about their lives, timeline, explore the collection where we have even revealed some interesting facts and trivia about the personalities.
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1
Wayne Gretzky(One of the Greatest Ice Hockey Players in the History of the National Hockey League)
Birthdate: January 26, 1961
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Brantford, Canada
Nicknamed "The Great One,” Wayne Gretzky is a four-time Stanley Cup Champion and a six-time All-Star record-breaker. The Hockey Hall of Fame inductee played for four NHL teams from 1979 to 1999, was the leading scorer in NHL history, and served as the head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes.
Birthdate: April 17, 1954
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Saskatoon, Canada
Died: July 31, 2015
Canadian professional wrestler, amateur boxer, and actor, Roddy Piper, is best remembered for his work with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). He headlined multiple PPV events and hosted the popular WWF interview segment Piper's Pit. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. He also appeared in a few films and TV shows.
Birthdate: May 19, 1981
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Quebec, Canada
Considered one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, Georges St-Pierre is a former professional mixed martial artist. Starting from 2008, he was named by Rogers Sportsnet as the Canadian Athlete of the Year for three consecutive years. When he defeated Michael Bisping at UFC 217, he became only the fourth fighter to be a multi-division champion in UFC history.
4
Steve Nash(Former Canadian Basketball Player, Coach and 8-Time NBA All-Star Winner)
Birthdate: February 7, 1974
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa
Canadian national Steve Nash is a basketball coach and a former player. Known for his playmaking skills, he played for Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers in America’s coveted National Basketball Association. He also played for the Canadian national men’s team from 1991 to 2003. He became the head coach of Brooklyn Nets of NBA in September 2020.
5
Terry Fox(Canadian Athlete and Activist Who Became a National Hero and an Inspirational Figure for His Battle Against Cancer)
Birthdate: July 28, 1958
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Winnipeg, Canada
Died: June 28, 1981
Terry Fox was a popular cancer research activist and humanitarian. Despite suffering from cancer and having lost one of his legs to cancer, he embarked on a cross-country run to raise money for cancer research. Although he died at the age of 22, his efforts resulted in a worldwide legacy and gave rise to the annual Terry Fox Run.
Birthdate: August 7, 1987
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada
Canadian professional ice hockey player Sidney Crosby is the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). Widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time, he made his professional debut in 2005. Immediately rising to stardom, he has continued to impress the audience with his powerful gameplay.
Birthdate: May 21, 1967
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Montreal, Canada
Died: June 25, 2007
Often regarded as one of the best wrestlers of all time, Chris Benoit was known for putting his body on the line to create a greater impact than most of his fellow wrestlers. One of his popular moves, a diving headbutt, was cited as one of the reasons for his deteriorating mental health that eventually resulted in his suicide.
Birthdate: May 7, 1965
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Calgary, Canada
Died: May 23, 1999
Owen Hart, also known as “The Golden Nugget” and “Blue Blazer,” was part of the Hart wrestling family. He had won several titles, such as the WWF Intercontinental Championship and the WWF World Tag Team Championship. He died in an equipment malfunction accident at the 1999 WWF Over the Edge.
9
Lennox Lewis(British-Canadian Former Professional Boxer and Three-Time World Heavyweight Champion)
Birthdate: September 2, 1965
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: West Ham, London, England
Three-time world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis also won the super heavyweight gold for Canada at the Seoul Olympics in 1988. He has won numerous accolades, including the CBE and the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. He has been named as the sixth-best heavyweight boxer of all time by BoxRec.
10
Trish Stratus(One of the Most Popular Female Professional Wrestlers in WWE)
Birthdate: December 18, 1975
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
Canadian fitness model and former wrestler Trish Stratus is known for her stint with WWF (later renamed WWE). The Diva of the Decade and three-time WWE Babe of the Year has also been a WWE Hardcore Champion. She also became the first female to earn the Lou Thesz Award.
Birthdate: October 30, 1973
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Orangeville, Canada
Canadian wrestler Edge is a seven-time World Heavyweight champion. He competed in the 2020 Royal Rumble match after a 9-year hiatus due to neck injuries. He has appeared as Dwight Hendrickson in Haven and as Ketill Flatnose in Vikings. He was also part of the film Highlander: Endgame.
Birthdate: June 16, 2000
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Birthdate: March 31, 1928
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Floral, Saskatchewan, Canada
Died: June 10, 2016
14
Mario Lemieux(One of the Greatest Ice Hockey Players of All Time)
Birthdate: October 5, 1965
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Montreal, Canada
Canadian former professional ice hockey player Mario Lemieux spent his entire career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, playing parts of 17 National Hockey League (NHL) seasons. A gifted playmaker and fast skater, he is considered to be one of the best players of all time. With a 0.754 career goals-per-game average, he ranks second in NHL history, behind only Mike Bossy.
15
Andrew Wiggins(Canadian Professional Basketball Player Who Plays as a 'Small Forward')
Birthdate: February 23, 1995
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Thornhill, Canada
Canadian basketball player Andrew Wiggins was initially drafted by the NBA team Cleveland Cavaliers and then traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He won the NBA Rookie of the Year playing with the Timberwolves. He was also named Mr. Basketball USA and the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2013.
16
Tristan Thompson(Canadian-American Professional Basketball Player Who Plays as a Power Forward / Center)
Birthdate: March 13, 1991
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Brampton, Canada
Boston Celtics center/power forward Tristan Thompson, known for his rebounding skills, was initially drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers and won the 2016 NBA Championship with them. He has also played for Canada’s national basketball team. Thompson has been in the news for his relationship and messy break-up with Khloé Kardashian.
17
Natalya Neidhart(Professional Wrestler Known for Her Guinness Record for Most Wins for Female WWE Wrestlers)
Birthdate: May 27, 1982
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Calgary, Canada
Natalya Neidhart is a Canadian-American wrestler and columnist. She is best known for her appearances in WWE, where she is one of the most important members of the women's division. She is the first female wrestler to hold both the SmackDown Women's Championship and the Divas Championship in the history of WWE.
18
Rocky Johnson(Canadian Professional Wrestler and Father of Actor and Former WWE Wrestler Dwayne Johnson)
Birthdate: August 24, 1944
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Amherst, Canada
Died: January 15, 2020
The father of former WWE wrestler and actor Dwayne Johnson, Rocky Johnson was a popular Canadian professional wrestler. He was the first black wrestler to win the Georgia Heavyweight Championship. He inspired several popular wrestlers, such as The Rock. He is also credited with helping wrestlers like Hulk Hogan establish themselves in the wrestling world.
Birthdate: May 7, 1984
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Canada
Kevin Steen, popularly known by his ring name Kevin Owens, is a Canadian professional wrestler. One of the most popular WWE superstars of his generation, Steen has won several WWE championship titles, such as the Universal Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, and the United States Championship. In 2017, he was ranked third in the PWI 500 list.
20
Connor McDavid(Canadian Professional Ice Hockey Player Who Plays as a Centre)
Birthdate: January 13, 1997
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Richmond Hill, Canada
Canadian ice hockey player Connor McDavid currently serves as the captain of the NHL team Edmonton Oilers. The two-time Art Ross Trophy-winning player became the youngest NHL captain and has won the gold at the 2016 Ice Hockey World Championships, the 2015 Junior Championships, and the 2013 U-18 Championships.
21
Rick Fox(Actor and Former Basketball Player Who Played at the 'Small Forward' Position)
Birthdate: July 24, 1969
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario
Rick Fox is a Canadian-Bahamian actor, businessman, former basketball player, and e-sports franchise owner. He is best known for representing the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association (NBA). After retiring from the sport, Rick Fox went on to establish himself as a media personality, appearing in TV shows like Dancing with the Stars.
22
P. K. Subban(Canadian Professional Ice Hockey Player Who Plays as a Defenceman)
Birthdate: May 13, 1989
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
P.K. Subban is a Canadian ice hockey player who currently plays as a defenceman for the NHL's New Jersey Devils. In 2013, Subban was adjudged the NHL's top defenceman and was honored with the Norris Trophy. Also known for his philanthropic efforts, Subban promised in 2015 that he would help raise $10 million by 2022 for the Montreal Children's Hospital.
23
Bobby Orr(One of the Greatest Ice Hockey Players of All Time)
Birthdate: March 20, 1948
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Parry Sound, Canada
Canadian ice-hockey star Bobby Orr is known for his 12-year NHL career, 10 of which were spent playing for the Boston Bruins. His Stanley Cup win in 1970 marked the Bruins’ first title in 29 years. Post-retirement, the septuagenarian Hockey Hall of Fame inductee has also experimented with golf.
Birthdate: January 21, 1983
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Montreal, Canada
Maryse Ouellet is a Canadian-American businesswoman, actress, and professional wrestler. Currently signed to WWE, Ouellet often appears alongside her husband and WWE superstar The Miz. In 2008, Maryse won the WWE Divas Championship and went on to become the third-longest reigning Divas Champion in the history of WWE. In 2009, she was ranked ninth in the PWI Female 50 list.
Birthdate: November 6, 1861
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Almonte, Mississippi Mills, Canada
Died: November 28, 1939
Canadian-American physician and coach James Naismith is considered as the inventor of basketball. He authored the first basksetball rule book and established the University of Kansas basketball team. He served as the Kansas Jayhawks athletic director and coach, and trained legends such as Adolph Rupp and Dean Smith.
26
Lance Stroll(Canadian-Belgian Motorsport Racer Who Competes for Canada in Formula One)
Birthdate: October 29, 1998
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
The son of Canadian business tycoon Lawrence Stroll and Belgian designer Claire-Anne Callens, Lance Stroll began his motorsport career with karting at age 10. He became F1’s youngest rookie podium finisher at the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. His achievements include wins at the 2014 Italian F4 and the 2016 FIA European Formula 3.
Birthdate: January 12, 1930
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Cochrane
Died: February 21, 1974
Birthdate: February 25, 1994
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Birthdate: May 9, 1965
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Cranbrook, Canada
Birthdate: January 18, 1950
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Canada
Died: May 8, 1982
Canadian race-car driver Gilles Villeneuve is remembered for his 6-year stint with Grand Prix, racing with Ferrari. He won six races but died in a violent collision with Jochen Mass’s car during a qualifying race for the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix. His son, Jacques, later became a F1 champion.
Birthdate: June 5, 1980
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Peterborough, Canada
32
Kenny Omega(Former AEW World Champion and AEW World Tag Team Champion)
Birthdate: October 16, 1983
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Transcona, Winnipeg, Canada
Kenny Omega is the ring name of Tyson Smith, a Canadian-born professional wrestler. He had a successful tenure in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) after which he joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW), in which he is an executive vice president as well. He also appears in Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide and Impact Wrestling. He considers himself straight edge.
Birthdate: July 7, 1998
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Abbotsford, Canada
Birthdate: February 20, 1977
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
35
Jonathan Toews(Canadian Professional Ice Hockey Centre and Captain of the ‘Chicago Blackhawks’ Team)
Birthdate: April 29, 1988
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Winnipeg, Canada
Chicago Blackhawks captain and three-time Stanley Cup-winning ice-hockey player Jonathan Toews became the second-youngest NHL captain ever, at 20. Known as Captain Serious, he is not the one to be found in the middle of any controversy. He was named to the 100 Greatest NHL Players list in 2017.
36
Renee Paquette(Canadian-American Television Personality Who Was a Sports Broadcaster for ‘The Score’ Network)
Birthdate: September 19, 1985
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
Renee Paquette is a Canadian television personality and host. She is best known for appearing in WWE, where she worked as an interviewer, presenter, and commentator from 2012 to 2020. In 2013, Renee Paquette received the Slammy Award for her work in The JBL and Cole Show. In 2020, she started hosting Oral Sessions, her own podcast.
Birthdate: February 28, 1973
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: London, Ontario, Canada
Birthdate: May 6, 1972
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Birthdate: August 8, 2000
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Montreal, Canada
40
Ben Johnson(Canadian Sprinter Who was the World's Fastest Man During the 1987-88 Season)
Birthdate: December 30, 1961
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Falmouth, Jamaica
Ben Johnson is a Canadian retired sprinter who was adjudged the world's fastest man during the 1987–88 season after he broke the 60m and 100m indoor world records. He is best known for his performance in the 1984 Olympic Games, where he won two bronze medals. Ben Johnson also won a gold medal at the 1985 World Indoor Championships.
41
Mark Messier(Former Ice hockey centre who won six Stanley Cups throughout of his career)
Birthdate: January 18, 1961
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: St. Albert, Canada
Birthdate: January 1, 1977
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Toronto
Birthdate: August 16, 1987
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Vancouver, British Columbia
Carey Price is a Canadian ice hockey goaltender. Currently an important member of the Montreal Canadiens of the NHL, Price is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalies in Montreal Canadiens history. Also regarded as one of the world's best goaltenders, Carey Price helped the Canadian national ice hockey team win a gold medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Birthdate: October 5, 1965
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Quebec City
Birthdate: July 2, 1979
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: London, Canada
Canadian–American–Swiss ice-hockey player Joe Thornton, or “Jumbo Joe,” currently plays for the NHL team Toronto Maple Leafs. He previously played for the San Jose Sharks and the Boston Bruins. He is one of 13 players with 1,000 NHL assists and also won an Olympic gold for Canada.
46
Christian Cage(Professional Wrestler Best Known for his Tenure in WWE from 1998-2005)
Birthdate: November 30, 1973
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Kitchener, Canada
WWE wrestler Christian Cage is known for his interesting pseudonym, which is said to be a combination of the names of actors Christian Slater and Nicolas Cage. Apart from winning several wrestling titles, he has also appeared in series such as Murdoch Mysteries and movies such as Dark Rising.
Birthdate: August 9, 1964
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Belleville, Canada
Birthdate: January 3, 1939
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Belleville
Birthdate: August 19, 1981
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Calgary, Canada
Birthdate: March 16, 1999
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Montreal, Quebec, Canada