Not only are some of Canada’s most successful athletes women but they’re also leaders in their respective sports on a worldwide scale. These are the top 10 Canadian female athletes on the ice, slopes, tracks, and fields.
Ashleigh McIvor
A ski crosser with one Olympic gold medal under her belt, MvIvor was also a medal earner at the FIS Freestyle World Ski Championships and the X Games. She is credited with helping introduce ski-cross at the Olympics in Vancouver last year.
Joannie Rochette
She may have only won bronze in the 2010 Winter Games but she won the hearts of Canadians across the country after competing just days after her mother’s passing.
Cassie Campbell
The thrice-Olympic medal winner in women’s hockey has also dabbled in modeling and sports broadcasting as well as philanthropy, having done extensive community service work.
Catriona Ann Le May Doan
Originally from Saskatoon, this renowned speed skater has accumulated three Olympic medals (two gold and a bronze) in 1998 and 2002.
Manon Rheaume
The only female hockey player to play in an NHL exhibition game deserves a place on the top 10 Canadian female athletes list – Rheaume won silver at the Games in Nagano (1998) and two gold at the IIHF World Women’s Championship.
Christine Sinclair
The blue-eyed beauty from Burnaby is one of the best soccer players in the world – the forward is the current captain of the national team and has won Canadian Player of the Year for the last five years in a row.
Clara Hughes
Both a cyclist and speed skater, Hughes has won a number of Olympic medals in both sports including two bronze at the ’96 Summer Games and four in three different Winter Games.
Hayley Wickenheiser
Considered one of the best female hockey players in the world, Wickenheiser was the first woman to play professional hockey in a position other than goalie. She’s won three Olympic gold, one Olympic silver and 10 IIHF World Women’s Championship medals.
Cindy Klassen
A speedskater and Winnipeg native, Klassen often makes lists for the top Canadian female athletes for being the first Canadian to win five medals at a single Winter Olympics back in 2006.
Photo Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS
