Early life
Born on May 11, 1943, in Ottawa, Ontario, Nancy Greene grew up in a family passionate about skiing. Her early exposure to the slopes was at the small ski hill her father managed in Rossland, British Columbia. From a young age, Nancy showed a natural talent and a deep love for the sport. She spent countless hours training and honing her skills, often racing against her siblings and other local skiers. This early immersion in the skiing community laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable career in the sport.
Career
Skiing Career
Nancy Greene’s skiing career is a testament to her dedication, skill, and competitive spirit. She burst onto the international scene in the early 1960s, quickly making a name for herself in the alpine skiing world. Her aggressive and fearless style on the slopes distinguished her from her competitors. Throughout her career, she achieved numerous victories in slalom, giant slalom, and downhill events.
Her most notable achievements came during the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, where she won gold in the giant slalom and silver in the slalom, earning her widespread acclaim and the nickname “Tiger.” These victories were more than just personal triumphs; they served as a source of pride for Canada and helped to popularize alpine skiing across the nation.
Beyond the Olympics, Nancy Greene also dominated the World Cup circuit. She won the overall World Cup title in 1967 and 1968, showcasing her consistency and dominance in the sport. Her career is decorated with numerous other titles and victories, firmly establishing her as one of the greatest alpine skiers of her time.
In 1993, Nancy Greene expressed her support for the conservative-leaning Reform Party of Canada.
Post-Skiing Career and Politics
After retiring from competitive skiing, Nancy Greene Raine did not step away from the public eye. Instead, she transitioned into a successful career in business and politics. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to various ventures, including ski resort development and management.
April 2005 marked a significant moment for Greene Raine as she was appointed the chancellor of Thompson Rivers University.
A unique contribution came from Greene Raine in 2006 when she donated a piece of one of her Olympic skis to the Six String Nation endeavor. This piece was used as a second reinforcing strip inside Voyageur, the central guitar of the project.
In 2009, Nancy Greene Raine was appointed to the Canadian Senate by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, representing the province of British Columbia. During her time in politics, she focused on issues related to sport, tourism, and the environment. Her tenure in the Senate was marked by her efforts to promote physical fitness and healthy living among Canadians, drawing on her background as an athlete.
Greene Raine commenced her role as a Conservative member in the Canadian Senate on January 2, 2009. She retired from this position following her 75th birthday.
Further adding to her legacy, Greene Raine was designated as an Olympic Ambassador for the 2010 Vancouver games. On February 12, 2010, she joined Canadian sports legends Steve Nash, Rick Hansen, Catriona Le May Doan, and Wayne Gretzky in lighting the Olympic cauldron at the Vancouver Olympics.
Net Worth
Nancy Greene Raine’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million. This figure is a combination of her earnings from her skiing career, business ventures, and her role as a Canadian senator. It reflects not just her financial success but also the impact and influence she has had in various sectors.
Achievement
Nancy Greene Raine’s list of achievements is extensive and varied, spanning her sporting career and her contributions to public life. In skiing, her most notable achievements include her Olympic medals, World Cup titles, and numerous other victories and accolades. She has been inducted into various halls of fame, including the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame and the International Ski Racing Hall of Fame.
In recognition of her contributions to Canada, Nancy Greene Raine has been awarded the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia. These honors highlight her impact beyond the ski slopes, emphasizing her role as a community leader and a promoter of healthy lifestyles and environmental stewardship.
National ski team member, 1959 to 1968
Three-time United States champion
World championship team member, 1962, 1966
World Cup women's champion 1967, 1968
Olympic team member, 1960, 1964, 1968
1968 Winter Olympics gold medal (Giant slalom) and silver medal (slalom)
Coach of the Canadian National Ski Team, 1968 to 1973
Officer of the Order of Canada (Canada’s highest civilian honour)
Order of British Columbia (British Columbia's highest citizen award)
Order of the Dogwood (British Columbia's highest civilian award)
Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada's Outstanding Athlete of the Year, 1967, 1968
B'nai B'rith woman of 1968
British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame
Canadian Sports Hall of Fame
United States National Ski Hall of Fame
Canada's Walk of Fame
Canada's Female Athlete of the 20th Century
Olympic torch relay 2010, Kamloops BC
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
SOCIAL PROFILE
Nancy Greene Raine has maintained a relatively low profile on social media. However, her legacy and impact continue to be celebrated through various platforms and by numerous sporting and community organizations.