Nancy Greene: The Legacy of a Canadian Skiing Icon
Nancy Greene is one of the most decorated figures in the history of alpine skiing. Born on May 11, 1943, in Ottawa, Ontario, she moved to the mountainous region of Rossland, British Columbia, before the age of three. Growing up in a location that hosted Canada's first ski competition in 1897, Greene began schussing—skiing straight down a slope at high speed—at a young age. Her early talent led her to the Canadian Junior Championships during high school, setting the stage for a career that would redefine Canadian sports.
Key Facts
- World Cup Success: Won the inaugural World Cup in 1967 and secured 14 World Cup victories by 1968.
- Olympic Glory: Captured a gold medal in the giant slalom and a silver medal in the slalom at the 1968 Grenoble Games.
- National Honors: Recipient of the Order of Canada and voted Canada's female athlete of the century.
- Public Service: Served as a member of the Senate of Canada and Chancellor of Thompson Rivers University.
- Sporting Legacy: Founded the Nancy Greene Ski League to provide entry-level racing for children.
A Dominant Competitive Career
Known by the nickname "Tiger" for her aggressive skiing style and "go for it" attitude, Greene became a force on the international circuit. She secured 17 Canadian ski championship titles and won the United States championship three times. In 1967, she broke the long-standing European dominance of the sport by winning the first-ever World Cup. During that season, she won seven of 16 events, including four giant slalom victories, two slaloms, and one downhill event.
Her momentum continued into 1968, where she won her second World Cup title. That same year, at the Winter Olympic Games in Grenoble, France, she achieved a historic victory in the giant slalom, winning by one of the largest margins in Olympic history, and adding a silver medal in the slalom. These achievements earned her the title of Canada's "Athlete of the Year" twice.
Contributions to Canadian Sport and Tourism
After retiring from competition, Greene transitioned into sports administration and tourism development. She served on the federal government's "Task Force on Sport For Canadians" and worked as a promotional representative for brands such as Rossignol, Pontiac, and Mars Inc. In the 1970s, she and her husband, Al Raine, were pivotal in the early growth of the Whistler-Blackcomb Resort in British Columbia.
The couple later focused their efforts on the Sun Peaks Resort north of Kamloops, where Greene currently serves as the skiing ambassador and operates Nancy Greene's Cahilty Lodge. To ensure the future of the sport, she established the Nancy Greene Ski League, which has served as a vital entry-level race program for children for over 30 years.
Greene's efforts in resort development have not been without friction. The expansion of certain projects, including a proposed resort in the Melvin Creek Valley between Mount Currie and Lillooet, faced significant opposition from biologists, environmental organizations, and Native groups. While the Melvin Creek project received approval from the BC Environmental Assessment Office in 2000, it has remained stalled due to protests and blockades.
Public Life and National Recognition
Beyond the slopes, Nancy Greene has held several prestigious roles. In April 2005, she was named chancellor of Thompson Rivers University. In January 2009, she entered politics as a Conservative member of the Senate of Canada, eventually retiring upon her 75th birthday.
Her contributions have been recognized through numerous honors, including the Order of Canada, the country's highest civilian award. Her name is immortalized in the Monashee Mountains via Nancy Greene Provincial Park and Nancy Greene Lake, and she is featured on Canada's Walk of Fame. In a survey of broadcasters and newspaper editors by The Canadian Press and Broadcast News, she was voted Canada's female athlete of the century.
Greene's connection to the Olympics remained strong long after her retirement. She served as an Olympic Ambassador for the 2010 Vancouver games, where she joined other icons like Wayne Gretzky and Steve Nash to light the Olympic cauldron on February 12, 2010.
Career Summary
| Category | Achievement/Role | Details |
|---|---|---|
| World Cup | Inaugural Champion (1967) | 7 wins in 16 events |
| Olympics | 1968 Grenoble Games | Gold (Giant Slalom), Silver (Slalom) |
| Honors | Order of Canada | Highest civilian honor |
| Governance | Senate of Canada | Conservative member (2009-Retirement) |
| Education | Thompson Rivers University | Chancellor (Appointed 2005) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Nancy Greene nicknamed "Tiger"?
She earned the nickname "Tiger" because of her aggressive skiing style and her determined "go for it" attitude during competitions.
What was Nancy Greene's impact on the World Cup?
Greene broke the European domination of alpine skiing by winning the inaugural World Cup in 1967, taking the overall title with seven event victories.
What is the Nancy Greene Ski League?
It is an entry-level race program for young children that has been dedicated to promoting the sport of skiing for more than 30 years.
How has Nancy Greene been honored in British Columbia?
She has been honored with the naming of Nancy Greene Provincial Park and Nancy Greene Lake in the Monashee Mountains, as well as Nancy Greene Way in North Vancouver.
What role did she play in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics?
She served as an Olympic Ambassador and was one of the sports icons who lit the Olympic cauldron on February 12, 2010.