Gaétan Boucher

Biography

Gaétan Boucher is a four-time Olympic medallist in long track speed skating. At just 14, Boucher won his first Canadian title. Realizing his great potential, at the early age of 17 Boucher participated in his first Olympic Winter Games at Innsbruck 1976. At Lake Placid 1980, Boucher won his first Olympic medal, earning silver in the men’s 1,000m.

But it was at Sarajevo 1984 that Boucher became a household name. He claimed gold in the men’s 1000m and 1500m and bronze in the men’s 500m, winning a medal in each of his races. Boucher had been Canada’s flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony. He was the first Canadian man to win individual gold at the Olympic Winter Games. During his final Winter Games at Calgary 1988, Boucher was an Olympic flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony.

In addition to the Olympic Games, Boucher proudly represented Canada on many other stages. In 1984, he won gold at the World Sprint Championships and he received the Oscar Mathisen Award for his exemplary speed skating performance as well as the Lou Marsh Trophy for being Canada’s top athlete. It was also in 1984 that Boucher was inducted into the Canada Sports Hall of Fame.