Canadian Olympic legend visits Ottawa
Posted Mar 5, 2010 By Phil Ambroziak
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EMC Sports - With the majority of the nation focused on the efforts and achievements of Canadian athletes at the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, one of the greatest amateur athletes of yesteryear was more than satisfied to be right here in Ottawa.
Phil Ambroziak
Anne Heggtveit the first Canadian to win Olympic gold in skiing accepted a certificate of recognition from Nepean-Carleton MP Pierre Poilievre on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper during a reception held in her honour at the Canadian Ski Museum on Scott St. Feb. 25. The following day, Feb. 26, marked the 50th anniversary of Ms. Heggtveit's gold medal victory at the Olympic Winter Games in Squaw Valley, California.
On Thursday, Feb. 25, the Canadian Ski Museum held a reception honouring Anne Heggtveit, an Ottawa native who won Olympic gold in alpine skiing at the 1960 Olympic Winter Games in Squaw Valley, California. In fact, she was the first Canadian - man or woman to ever win Olympic gold in her sport. Feb. 26 marked the 50th anniversary of her victory in the Olympic slalom event, which also saw her become the first non-European to win the International Ski Federation slalom and overall world championship.
"It's wonderful to have her here to celebrate the anniversary of her victory, but in Anne's case it means so much more," explained Ivo Krupka, chair of the Canadian Ski Museum board. "She is a person of certain character who has really become a role model and an inspiration to other athletes."
Ms. Heggtveit, who currently resides in northern Vermont, also attended a fundraising dinner for the Alpine Ontario amateur ski team at the Britannia Yacht Club later that evening and ski competitions at Camp Fortune during the weekend.
"The races at Camp Fortune is something she attends on an annual basis," Mr. Krupka said. "With the Winter Olympics taking place in Canada, it's kind of a milestone to have her here. This is an opportunity we would never want to miss."
Born Jan. 11, 1939, Ms. Heggtveit was encouraged to pursue skiing at a young age by her father, Halvor Heggtveit a Canadian cross-country champion. A student at Lisgar Collegiate Institute in Ottawa, she learned to ski in the nearby Gatineau Hills. In 1954, at the age of 15, she gained international attention when she became the youngest winner ever of the Holmenkollen Giant Slalom event in Norway. She also won first place in slalom and giant slalom in the United States national junior championships. Although she suffered from several injuries between 1955 and 1957, she still earned a spot on Canada's team at the 1956 Winter Olympic Games in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. She was only 17 years old.
"It's really great to be back in my hometown for this occasion," Ms. Heggtveit said. "This is where it all started and it is very special."
Ms. Heggtveit went on to note that her desire to win gold was sparked when she first saw Barbara Ann Scott, the first Canadian woman to win Olympic gold in figure skating.
"I was eight years old and she was my hero," Ms. Heggtveit said. "I was inspired to do the same in my sport some day and it was a very special moment when I was able to fulfill that."
Ms. Heggtveit was 21 years old at the time of her win. Today, she said she still tries to hit the slopes at least once a week.
As for the current crop of Canadian athletes, Ms. Heggtveit said she is very proud of everything they have been able to achieve.
She also said she hopes that holding the Games in Canada will inspire or encourage more young Canadians to become involved in amateur sport or, at the very least, to become more active.
"By looking at the audiences at the Games, I believe the reception from the Canadian public has been extraordinary," she said. "I think the public better understands that a fifth, sixth, seventh or even eighth place finish is still very good."
In closing, Ms. Heggtveit stated how pleased she was to be in the city.
"It's great to be here to see my old friends and colleagues and to express my thanks to all the clubs and organizations who have helped me," she said.
During the reception, Nepean-Carleton MP Pierre Poilievre presented Ms. Heggtveit with a special certificate of appreciation from Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
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