Throughout the month of December, AthletesCAN will reveal the finalists in six award categories for the 45th Canadian Sport Awards continuing to focus on trailblazers, athlete-centred accomplishments and initiatives – with the ultimate goal to unite, amplify and celebrate the leadership and voices of our members.
The campaign will culminate in a virtual awards broadcast on Wednesday, Dec. 21, live on AthletesCAN’s digital channels.
True Sport Award
The True Sport Award recognizes an inspirational Canadian citizen who exemplifies true sport values of fairness, excellence, inclusion, and fun in a meaningful way.
Through the pursuit of sporting excellence this Canadian hero showcases dedication, perseverance, sportsmanship, respect for others, and a true love of sport.
Molly Carlson, High Diving
Carlson finished second overall in her first full season on the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. Along the way, she has helped develop a strong program in Canada despite limited training facilities, in hopes of being added to the Olympic program at a future Games. In addition, Carlson has become a role model for people struggling with mental health, by describing how she manages her thoughts during competition on social media to her 3.5 million followers.
Mirela Rahneva, Skeleton
Rahneva had Canada’s best result at the Beijing Olympics coming in fifth, and then became one of the first athletes to speak out on the maltreatment and challenges she faced within her sport – a few weeks before an open letter to Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton was released by its athletes. As part of her story, Rahneva documented the self-funding efforts her and her teammates required just to make it to the Games. She has continued using her voice with a new season getting underway this winter.
Brooke Henderson, Golf
Henderson had the best season of her career with two victories, including her second major at the Evian Championship, increasing her all-time lead as Canada’s most decorated golfer to 12 wins. She has continued to find success on the LPGA Tour all while inspiring the next generation to take up the sport.