News: 2007-2008

Barbara Ann Scott received Canadian Olympic Order

(April 17, 2008)

Barbara Ann Scott, Canada’s first and only Olympic gold medalist in singles in figure skating, was awarded the Canadian Olympic Order on Saturday, April 12 in Calgary at this year’s Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame Gala Dinner & Induction Ceremony. This award recognizes individuals who have made the Olympic Movement their life’s work and have served it with distinction.

Barbara Ann has been a member of the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame since she captured her medal in St. Moritz in 1948. Her athletic career started early, when she won the Canadian national junior title at the age of 11 in 1940. She held the Senior crown from 1944-1948 and the North American title from 1945-1948. In 1947 she won the European title and earned Canada its first ever World Championship crown. The following year, 1948, she won the European, World and Olympic titles becoming the first North American to win all three in the same year, the first Canadian figure skater to win an Olympic gold medal and the first to win back to back World titles.

Barbara Ann became the first woman to be voted Canada's Outstanding Athlete of the Year a record three times in 1945, 1947 and 1948. She is also a member of Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame and Skate Canada’s Hall of Fame. In 1991, she was awarded the Order of Canada and in 1998 she was named to Canada’s Walk of Fame.

Barbara Ann became known as 'Canada's Sweetheart' and her impact on figure skating in Canada and the world remains legendary.

Barbara Ann signing her poster at the Welcome Reception	Barbara Ann with 2008 inductees Catriona Le May Doan and Ab Renaud (1948 Flyers and fellow from Ottawa). Ab was one of the two Flyers who lifted Barbara Ann for that iconic photo from 1948.