Sharon Firth

Alongside her twin sister, Shirley, Sharon Firth played a leading role in the pioneering program that introduced skiing to Canada’s Indigenous peoples, particularly First Nations and Inuit communities. Her career reflects exceptional dedication and a pursuit of excellence, placing her among the country’s most accomplished athletes.

Sharon and Shirley represented Canada on the national cross-country ski team for an unprecedented 17 consecutive years, competing on the World Cup circuit. Together, they collected 79 medals at national championships, demonstrating their versatility across multiple distances. They also represented Canada at four Olympic Winter Games — Sapporo, Japan, in 1972; Innsbruck, Austria, in 1976; Lake Placid, N.Y., in 1980; and Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, in 1984.

The sisters’ extraordinary athletic journey was chronicled in the CBC documentary The Olympians: The Firth Sisters, which highlighted their inspiring story.

Sharon Firth’s contributions and achievements in skiing have been widely recognized. She received the John Semmelink Memorial Award from the Canadian Ski Association in 1972 and the Commissioner’s Award from the Government of the Northwest Territories in 1981. In 1987, she was appointed a member of the Order of Canada. She was inducted into the Canadian Ski Museum and Skiing Hall of Fame in 1990 and received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.

After retiring from competitive skiing, Firth settled in Yellowknife, N.W.T., where she has served as a youth program advisor for the Government of the Northwest Territories. Her dedication to mentoring young athletes continues to have a positive impact in her community.

Firth’s achievements and commitment to her community have left an enduring legacy in Canadian skiing and remain an inspiration for future generations.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• 1972 — 10th place, 4 x 5-kilometre relay, Olympic Winter Games, Sapporo, Japan
• 1976 — Seventh place, 4 x 5-kilometre relay, Olympic Winter Games, Innsbruck, Austria
• 1982 — 29th overall, World Cup standings 

Note: Information compiled from several sources; may not include all accomplishments. © Canadian Ski Museum & Hall of Fame. For personal/educational use only. All rights reserved.