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Sports play an integral role in Canadian culture and have been a source of pride and inspiration for the country for decades. From hockey to basketball to skiing, Canadians have been making their mark on the world stage and capturing the hearts of fans around the country. The popularity of sports in Canada is evident in the large following it has, with many Canadians tuning in to watch their favorite athletes compete on a regular basis.
The purpose of this article is to rank the top 10 most popular Canadian athletes of the 21st century. This list will take into account a variety of factors, including the athletes’ accomplishments in their respective sports, the media coverage they received, and their endorsement deals and off-field endeavors. This ranking will provide a comprehensive look at the athletes who have made the biggest impact in Canadian sports over the past two decades.
Top 10 most popular Canadian athletes in the 21st century
Sidney Crosby
Sidney Crosby is a professional hockey player who has had a storied career with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He has won numerous awards, including the Conn Smythe Trophy, the Hart Trophy, and the Art Ross Trophy. Crosby has also been a part of three Stanley Cup-winning teams with the Penguins and is considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time.
Steve Nash
Steve Nash is a former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 18 seasons. Nash was a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and was named to eight All-Star teams. He also helped lead the Phoenix Suns to the Western Conference Finals in 2005 and 2006.
Donovan Bailey
Donovan Bailey is a retired sprinter who won gold medals in both the 100-meter dash and 4×100-meter relay at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. He also set a world record in the 100-meter dash and was named the fastest man in the world. He has had many different major sponsorships with big brands and real money sports betting sites.
Andre De Grasse
Andre De Grasse is a Canadian sprinter who has made a name for himself on the international track and field scene. He has won multiple medals in major international competitions, including the Olympic Games, World Championships, and Commonwealth Games. De Grasse rose to prominence in 2015, when he won three medals at the Pan American Games and earned a bronze medal at the World Championships.
Chantal Petitclerc
Chantal Petitclerc is a retired wheelchair racer who competed in five Paralympic Games and won 21 medals, including 14 golds. She is widely considered one of the greatest Paralympic athletes of all time and was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.
Andre De Grasse
Andre De Grasse is a sprinter who has competed in numerous international competitions, including the Olympic Games and the World Championships. He won three bronze medals at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and has been ranked among the top sprinters in the world.
Penny Oleksiak
Penny Oleksiak is a swimmer who won four medals, including a gold, at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. At just 16 years old, she became the youngest Canadian to ever win a gold medal in the Olympics and has since been named Canada’s flag bearer for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Kaillie Humphries
Kaillie Humphries is a bobsledder who has won numerous international competitions, including two Olympic gold medals. She is a two-time World Champion and has been named to the Bobsledder of the Year award several times. Humphries has also been recognized for her activism and advocacy work, particularly in promoting equal opportunities for female athletes.
Christine Sinclair
Christine Sinclair is a professional soccer player who has been a key player for the Canadian national team for over two decades. She has won numerous awards, including the Golden Foot award and the Canadian Player of the Year award, and is the all-time leading scorer for both the Canadian national team and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Joey Votto
Joey Votto is a professional baseball player who has spent his entire career playing first base for the Cincinnati Reds. He is a six-time All-Star, a National League MVP, and a Gold Glove award winner. Votto is also known for his philanthropy work and has been named the Major League Baseball Players Association’s Man of the Year.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the top 10 most popular Canadian athletes in the 21st century are a testament to the talent and hard work of Canadian athletes. From hockey to basketball, swimming to soccer, these athletes have made their mark on the world stage and captured the hearts of Canadians everywhere.
The current state of Canadian sports is thriving, with many young athletes emerging as stars in their respective sports. It’s exciting to think about the potential for future athletes to make this list, as they continue to push the boundaries of what is possible and make a name for themselves on the international stage.
Sports play a significant role in Canadian culture, bringing people together and fostering a sense of national pride. The athletes on this list serve as inspiration to young Canadians everywhere, demonstrating what can be achieved through hard work and determination. Whether you’re a fan of hockey, basketball, or any other sport, there’s no denying the impact that sports have on our lives and the role they play in shaping Canadian culture.