Vernon athlete ‘humbled and honoured’ at induction into Hall of Fame

A Vernon woman is among 11 new members announced for Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Sonja Gaudet is one of six athletes included in the hall’s class of 2020-21 along with Steve Nash, Diane Jones Konihowski, Eric Lamaze, John “Jackie” Barrett and Lorie Kane.

The inductees will receive the Order of Sport Award – Canada’s highest sporting honour at an induction event postponed until next year.

The hall is located in Calgary, but is currently shut down due to Covid-19.

Gaudet, 53, was paralyzed from the waist down in a horse riding accident when she was 31.

“Married with two young children, Sonja’s family helped her find the confidence to try several different para sports as she adapted to life in a wheelchair,” stated her bio on the Hall of Fame website. “Rather than focusing on limitations, Sonja refused to give up, and the abilities she retained as well as the new skills she learned in the aftermath of her injury acquired additional nuance and depth. Determined to improve accessibility for other people with physical disabilities in her community, she was introduced to wheelchair curling by chance when a local curling club asked her for advice regarding renovating a wheelchair accessible washroom. The club was preparing to host a beginner’s wheelchair curling clinic, and Sonja’s interest was piqued. She ended up participating, and at the age of 37 discovered a passion and natural affinity for the sport.”

Gaudet was a member of Canadian wheelchair curling teams that won gold at three Winter Paralympics in 2006 (Turin), 2010 (Vancouver) and 2014 (Sochi), and was the Canadian flag bearer for the 2014 Games.

“I am incredibly humbled and honoured to be inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame,” said Gaudet. “I am extremely grateful for being on so many teams with amazing people, awesome teammates, passionate coaches and supportive staff members.”

Five builders will also be inducted: Willie O’Ree, Sheldon Kennedy, Judy Kent, Ross Powless and Duncan Campbell.

Click here for more on the 2020-21 inductees.