The 1960s

Top left, counter-clockwise: Elaine Tanner, Swimming; Harry Jerome, Olympic Games 1968; Nancy Greene, gold medal 1968 Winter Olympic Games; Joe Kapp hands off to Willie Fleming, B.C Lions Football.

There are many well-known BC athletes from the 1960s. Skier Nancy Greene won gold and silver at the 1968 Olympic Games. Elaine Tanner swam her way into the record books with her seven-medal performance at the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games. Harry Jerome became one of Canada’s greatest sprinters after equaling five world record times.

The 1961 Trail Smoke Eaters and the 1964 BC Lions were two of the outstanding teams during the decade. The Smoke Eaters blazed their way to a second amateur hockey title. The BC Lions won their first Grey Cup.

Television had a huge impact on sports. Fans could watch a wide variety of sporting events without leaving their homes. The Olympic Games were broadcast around the world for the first time at the 1960 Games.