An expert panel of veteran sports journalists ranks the country’s top athletes.

Triumph, courage, determination. These are the elements that define the 100 outstanding athletes honoured here. These exceptional men and women have thrilled fans with the most celebrated performances, amazing accomplishments, and memorable feats in Canadian sports history. Enhanced by stats, records, milestones, and personal recollections, and developed with a panel of professional sports journalists, this 100-to-1 ranking celebrates the athletes who rose to the very top of their respective sports as well as the best competitors of all time. These include skiers, marathoners, wheelchair sprinters, skaters, basketballers, rowers, swimmers, and—of course—hockey players.

Reminisce about the exploits and achievements of Rocket Richard, Larry Walker, Steve Nash, and Nancy Greene, as well as Clara Hughes, Elvis Stojko, Lionel Conacher, Gaetan Boucher, and Lennox Lewis. Remember the thrill of watching Bobby Orr, Sandra Post, Rick Hansen, Barbara Ann Scott, Percy Williams, and eight-six more.

Who’s number one? Which athletes rank in the top ten? Sports fans love a good argument, and this book is sure to spark debate, discussion, and national pride, while acknowledging the joy, athleticism, strength, and diversity of Canadian athletes.

The list of 100 athletes was compiled by a team of veteran sports writers and experts, including “the voice of the Vancouver Canucks,” Jim Robson; ace reporter Jim Taylor; the Vancouver Province’s Cam Cole and Ed Willes; sports journalist Mary Jollimore, the Globe and Mail’s Gary Mason; Canadian Sports Hall of Fame advisory board member Wendy Long; Toronto Star’s Mary Ormsby, and CBC Radio’s Robin Brown.