Linda Crutchfield - Multisport champion

Linda Crutchfield, a legendary Canadian multisport athlete, passed away peacefully in Saint-Sauveur, Quebec, on May 23, 2026, at the age of 84.

Born and raised in Shawinigan, Quebec, Linda was the daughter of Dr. Gordon and Evelyn Crutchfield (Morehouse) and sister to Norman, Geoffrey, and Andrew. She discovered skiing as a child on the slopes of Mont-Carmel and went on to become one of Canada's most versatile competitors, excelling across three demanding sports over a 17-year career.

(Photo courtesy Candian Ski Museum and Hall of Fame)

In Alpine skiing (1959–1965), Linda was named an alternate to the 1960 Squaw Valley Olympic team and won the Ryan Cup that same year. In 1961 she placed 11th in the Hahnenkamm downhill in Kitzbühel, Austria. She won silver in downhill at the 1962 World Championships in Chamonix, captured the Quebec Kandahar in 1963, and served as captain of Canada's Olympic team at the 1964 Innsbruck Games, competing in downhill, slalom, and giant slalom.

She then turned to water skiing (1965–1975), earning national titles in jumping, slalom, and tricks, and representing Canada at four World Championships. She also performed in 747 water ski shows during Expo 67 in Montreal.

Ever drawn to speed, Linda took up luge (1967–1969), winning back-to-back Canadian and North American titles. In 1968 she became the first Canadian woman to compete in Olympic luge, placing 12th at the Grenoble Games.

Across her career, Linda won 22 Canadian championship gold medals and earned podium finishes on the European circuit. In 1969 she received the Velma Springstead Trophy as Canada's outstanding female athlete. She was inducted into seven Halls of Fame across three sports.

Beyond competition, Linda shaped generations of skiers: a Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance (CSIA) Level 4 examiner, she directed six ski schools, including Mont Saint-Sauveur and Mont Avila, coached at Burke Mountain Academy, and taught skiing for years at Mont Tremblant. From 2002 to 2005 she served as president of the Laurentian Ski Museum, having sat on its board since 1985.

Remembered as a trailblazer, mentor, and fierce competitor, Linda Crutchfield leaves an enduring legacy in Canadian sport.

A celebration of life was held Saturday, June 27, 2–5pm, at Mont Habitant, 12 Chemin des Skieurs, Saint-Sauveur. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Laurentian Ski Museum or Diabetes Canada. --Bob Soden