Biography:
Joan McCusker (born June 8, 1965 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan as Joan Elizabeth Inglis) is a Canadian curler and Olympic gold medallist. McCusker’s curling career is marked by numerous achievements and a significant impact on the sport.
McCusker’s greatest successes in curling came during the years she played second on the team of Sandra Schmirler (skip), Jan Betker (third), and Marcia Gudereit (lead). The team had remarkable chemistry and played together for several years. They became the first Canadian women’s team to win the Scott Tournament of Hearts, the Canadian women’s championship, multiple times with the same lineup. They claimed victory in the tournament in 1993, 1994, and 1997, showcasing their dominance in the sport.
As the Tournament of Hearts champions, McCusker’s team represented Canada at the World Curling Championships three times and emerged victorious in each appearance. Their exceptional performance and teamwork on the international stage solidified their reputation as one of the best curling teams in history.
One of McCusker’s most notable accomplishments came at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. Competing as part of the Schmirler rink, McCusker and her teammates represented Canada and demonstrated their exceptional skills and determination. Despite facing tough competition, they triumphed over Denmark to claim the gold medal, bringing immense pride to their nation. This stunning victory solidified their place in Canadian curling history.
Tragedy struck in 2000 when Sandra Schmirler, the team’s skip, passed away due to cancer. This devastating loss marked the end of their successful partnership and left a void in the Canadian curling community. However, McCusker and her teammates left an enduring legacy, inspiring future generations of curlers with their exceptional performances and teamwork.
In recognition of their outstanding contributions and accomplishments in curling, McCusker and her teammates were inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. This prestigious honor reflected their impact and influence on the sport and cemented their status as legends in Canadian curling history.
In 2019, McCusker and her Olympic teammates were further honored when they were named the greatest female Canadian curling team of all time. This recognition came as part of a TSN poll involving broadcasters, reporters, and top curlers, further solidifying their place in curling history.
Beyond her curling career, McCusker has a rich personal life. She grew up with her six siblings on a farm near Saltcoats, Saskatchewan. Curling runs in their family, with her sisters Cathy Trowell and Nancy Inglis also competing at the provincial and national levels. McCusker’s husband, Brian, is also a curler and a three-time Saskatchewan champion.
Originally an elementary school teacher, McCusker made the decision to focus on her curling and broadcasting career in 1998. Since 2001, she has been an integral part of CBC’s curling coverage team, sharing her knowledge and insights with viewers. Additionally, McCusker is a motivational speaker, using her experiences and success to inspire others.
Currently, McCusker serves as the coach for the Casey Scheidegger rink, supporting and guiding aspiring curlers. Her dedication to the sport and her ongoing contributions to its development illustrate her lasting impact on Canadian curling.
Awards:
– Three-time winner of the Scott Tournament of Hearts (1993, 1994, 1997)
– World Curling Champion (1993, 1994, 1997)
– Olympic gold medallist (1998)
– Inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame (2000)
– Named the greatest female Canadian curling team of all time (2019)