Biography

If the most important thing that an elite athlete can possess is strength of character, then Vermilion, Alberta's Beckie Scott may be the greatest of them all. Scott blazed a trail out of a small community in Canada's heartland to make a huge impression on the Nordic World. Few fans of cross-country skiing will ever forget the exploits of this great sprinter who overcame countless obstacles with dedication and grace. Beckie Scott took on the cheaters and won much more than an Olympic gold and silver medal along the way. She captured hearts and forged a respect for all athletes who strive to compete clean on the World stage. A graduate of the Jack Rabbit program, Scott joined the national team in 1994 and enjoyed a remarkable career that included appearances at three Olympic games. At Nagano, Japan, in 1998, her top placing was 45th, but four years later at Soldier Hollow, Utah, she became a pioneer. It was there that Scott won a bronze medal in the pursuit race to become the first Canadian--indeed, the first North American--woman to stand on the Olympic podium in cross-country skiing. After the two skiers who placed ahead of her in that race tested positive for doping violations, Scott was awarded the gold medal on the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery a full two years--and countless court hearings--after the race had ended. It was sweet vindication for an athlete who had been so resolute in her demand for drug-free sport. Scott, who grew up in Vermilion, combined with fellow Albertan Sara Renner to win a silver medal in the team sprint at her final Olympics in Torino, Italy, in February 2006. In all, she captured 15 World Cup medals. Still, it is her life beyond the ski trails that will become Scott's legacy. A tireless worker for charitable endeavours has led her to become a UNICEF Ambassador, a winner of the Spirit of Sport Story of the Year Award at the Canadian Sport Awards in 2004, and the choice of her peers as a member of the IOC Athlete's Commission. As she drove to the finish line in front of a jubilant crowd at Soldier Hollow Utah, on that brilliant mid-winter day in 2002, Scott must have sensed she was headed for a place in the history books. By winning that medal she defined the word trailblazer. But there was so much to her story. Beckie Scott won because of the strength of her body, it's true. She became a legend because of the strength of her convictions and her belief in fair play.