Sylvie BERNIER

A diver from a young age, Sylvie Bernier joined the Canadian team in 1978 and won five national titles prior to her retirement in December 1984. She won her first major international medal, silver in the 3 metre springboard behind Jenny Donnet of Australia, at the 1982 Commonwealth Games, and followed it up with bronze medals in the same event at the Pan American Games, the FINA World Cup, and the Summer Universiade in 1983. She entered the 1984 Summer Olympics as a favorite, but was expected to be knocked off the podium by the American and Chinese competitors. She performed well in the qualifiers, placing third behind Li Yihua and Kelly McCormick, but pulled off a surprising victory by winning the final by just over three points ahead of McCormick. Bernier’s feat earned her induction into the Order of Canada (1985), Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame (1987), and the International Swimming Hall of Fame (1996), as well as the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award as Canadian Female Athlete of the Year in 1984. Following her retirement at the end of the year, she became involved in broadcasting and television and worked as a commentator for the 1988 and 1992 Summer Olympics. She also served as the Chef de Mission for Canada’s delegation to the 2008 Games, as well as Assistant Chef de Mission in 2006 and 2012. As of 2012, she remains Canada’s only Olympic diving champion.