Pierre Harvey

Pierre Harvey’s contributions to Canadian sport — as an elite cross-country skier and cyclist competing on the World Cup circuit and at the Olympics — are the stuff of legend.

As an accomplished cyclist, Pierre first took up cross-country skiing as winter training but quickly found success in the sport, becoming one of Canada’s most versatile athletes.

At the Sarajevo 1984 Olympic Winter Games, he competed in the men’s 15-kilometre, 30-kilometre and 50-kilometre cross-country skiing events. Just a few months later, he was back on his bike at the Los Angeles 1984 Summer Games, racing in both the men’s individual road race and the 100-kilometre team time trial.

Pierre’s cross-country skiing career spanned nine years, beginning in 1980 when he made his debut at the Canadian championships. In his first appearance, he secured top-three finishes in four events: second in the 15 km, third in the 30 km, second in the 50 km, and second in the 3×10 km relay.

In January 1986, he became the first cross-country skier to win all four men’s events at the Canadian championships, claiming victories in the 30 km classic, 15 km classic, 3×10 km freestyle and 50 km freestyle.

In March 1987, Pierre made history as the first Canadian to win an international cross-country event, taking gold in the 30 km freestyle World Cup race in Falun, Sweden. Over the next two years, he added three more World Cup medals before retiring in 1989.

At the Calgary 1988 Olympic Winter Games, he had the honour of reciting the Athletes’ Oath during the Opening Ceremony.

Pierre was inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 2006 and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. He was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 1988 and received a Sport Excellence Award at the Tribute to the Champions in 1987.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• 1984 – Competed at the Olympic Winter Games in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia (15 km, 30 km, 50 km events)

• 1987 – Gold medal in 30 km freestyle, Falun, Sweden; bronze medal in 30 km freestyle, Castlerotto, Italy

• 1988 – Gold medal in 30 km classic, Falun, Sweden; gold medal in 50 km classic, Oslo, Norway; finished 6th overall in World Cup standings

• 1988 – Competed at the Olympic Winter Games in Calgary, Alta. (15 km classic, 30 km classic, 4×10 km freestyle relay, 50 km freestyle)

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.