In recent weeks, young women have been taking center stage in the media. Montreal, with its Women’s Professional Hockey League team, is showcasing some of the best female hockey players in the world. It’s easier than ever to see these role models of perseverance and determination in person. “Finally,” many will say, “it’s about time!”
By Laurier Thériault
Our city has always been fertile ground for the development and emergence of exceptional female athletes and public figures. How many girls in Quebec owe their first name to the famous Nadia Comaneci, the global superstar of the 1976 Olympics? Just a few years later, in a Quebec that was still getting used to the idea of sports, people would remember Jacqueline Gareau’s exceptional performance at the Boston Marathon. This petite athlete went on to become one of the greats of Quebec sports. In the early 1980s, another petite woman from Quebec City moved to Montreal to perfect her sport. She would take her place on the top step of the podium, this time at the conclusion of the diving competition at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Sylvie Bernier would later say that she looked every day at a small piece of paper stuck to her fridge to remind herself of her ultimate goal: winning the Olympics. She would then go on to brilliantly use every platform available for many years to emphasize the importance of an active lifestyle for everyone, but especially for girls who still give up too quickly or too often shy away from sports.
There are many role models of determination and perseverance, and they always deserve to be highlighted. Sylvie Fréchette made Olympic history in Barcelona. Still active today, she heads an artistic swimming club—the sport that propelled her into our collective memory. Nathalie Lambert and Isabelle Charest, our current Minister of Sports, are other examples of women who have achieved Olympic glory and continue to play important roles in our society. What can be said about Senator Chantal Petitclerc, who made her mark by competing in para-athletics competitions around the world in her wheelchair? Martine Dugrenier, for her part, has left her mark on the history of Olympic wrestling on the international stage. Even today, she spends countless hours passing on her passion for the sport to the next generation, boys and girls alike.
In the wake of the launch of our new hockey team, a whole contingent of young women professionals is also seizing this opportunity to take on responsibilities in the development and execution of elite-level sports. Special shout-outs to Marie-Christine, Stéphanie, Rosalie, Elizabeth, and the rest of the team! This is truly an inspiration. Next July, Brigitte Légaré—now a renowned manager who began her career right here in Montreal as an intern and has more than a dozen international events in her portfolio—will carry the torch for the Paris Olympics. She was chosen by her peers on the organizing committee to represent them during this highly symbolic moment. This is yet another wonderful recognition of exceptional expertise that originated right here in our community and now serves as a role model for many others.
On Saturday, January 13, Montreal hosted Boston for its opening game. The red carpet was rolled out for Kim St-Pierre, Caroline Ouellette, France St-Louis, and Danièle Sauvageau, who brought the procession to a fitting close. The fireworks, the light show, and the introduction of these trailblazers and our team’s players made every moment worth the excitement. Sitting in the stands, there was no way Maude was going to miss this game. She did, however, have to leave a little before the end. She had a practice in a few minutes. Her dream: Los Angeles 2028. Her sport is emerging and remains her greatest motivation. Maude had come to get a little adrenaline rush watching Marie-Philip and Anne-Renée before heading to her practice.
Role models of perseverance and determination are important and inspire us all… Well done, girls! Well done, ladies! To all the Danièles, Francines, Rhéas, and Brigittes out there, thank you for all the hours you’ve dedicated to sports and for all the energy you so generously share!
THANK YOU!
