Gaétan Boucher reignited a national passion for speed skating.

From Quebec City, his talents took him all the way to the Olympics, where he became the first Canadian man to win individual gold at the Winter Games.

‍“I was impressed by the scale of the Canada Games. It’s an honour to be recognized for the hard work and accomplishments during my long career.”

Gaétan Boucher competed in speed skating for Team Quebec at the 1971 Canada Winter Games in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. From there, he became a 4x Olympian and a 2x Olympic Champion – including earning the title of the first Canadian man to win an individual gold medal at a Winter Olympic Games.

After winning his first Olympic gold in 1984, he quickly doubled his accomplishment, becoming an Olympic champion in both the 1000m and 1500m events.

From competing for Team Quebec at the 1971 Canada Games, to racing into the history books – we’re thrilled to welcome Gaétan Boucher into the Canada Games Hall of Honour in the Athlete Category.