Linda Crutchfield

Linda Crutchfield made her mark in Canadian ski racing in the 1960s as a gifted athlete, respected leader and multi-sport competitor.

In 1960, she was named an alternate to Anne Heggtveit and joined the Canadian team at the Winter Olympic Games in Squaw Valley, Calif. That same year, she won the Ryan Cup, securing her position among Canada’s top alpine racers.

In 1961, Crutchfield placed 11th in the prestigious Hahnenkamm downhill in Kitzbühel, Austria — a remarkable result for a newcomer on one of the world’s most difficult courses. The following year, she joined Pepi Salvenmoser’s coaching team and represented Canada at the world championships in Chamonix, France, where she earned a silver medal in downhill at Ceppa Grizcha.

She continued to shine in 1963, winning the Quebec Kandahar and recording the most FIS points among Canadian women that season. Her leadership was recognized in 1964 when the Canadian Amateur Ski Association named her captain of the Olympic team for the Innsbruck Games, where she also helped manage logistics and team unity.

Crutchfield capped her ski career with national titles in downhill and combined in 1964, then went on to compete for Canada in luge at later Winter Games. She also excelled in water skiing, further cementing her reputation as one of Canada’s most versatile athletes.

Career Highlights

1960: Named Olympic team alternate, Squaw Valley Winter Games; won Ryan Cup
1961: 11th place, Hahnenkamm downhill, Kitzbühel, Austria
1962: Competed at world championships, Chamonix, France; silver medal, downhill, Ceppa Grizcha
1963: Winner, Quebec Kandahar; led Canadian women in FIS points at start of season
1964: Captain, Canadian Olympic team, Innsbruck Games; won Canadian championship titles in downhill and combined
Post-1964: Represented Canada in luge at Winter Olympics; became top-level water skier

Note: The information gathered in this biography was compiled from a number of sources; it may not be inclusive of all accomplishments. Copyright © Canadian Ski Hall of Fame & Museum. For personal and/or educational use only. All rights reserved.