Emma Miskew and Rachel Homan: Pioneering Change at the Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame
The Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame has undergone a significant policy shift, now welcoming active athletes into its prestigious ranks. This landmark decision was directly inspired by the extraordinary international achievements of Ottawa curlers Rachel Homan and Emma Miskew, three-time world champions and five-time Scotties Tournament of Hearts winners.
Effective with this year’s induction of Homan and Miskew, the Hall of Fame will now consider any Ottawa-area athlete who secures a world championship, Olympic medal, or major international sporting victory – a departure from the decades-long tradition of solely honouring retired athletes.
Recognizing Exceptional Talent
Dave Best, chair of the Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame, emphasized that the change acknowledges the remarkable accomplishments of Homan and Miskew – currently representing Canada at the Milano Cortina Winter Games in Italy – and addresses the underrepresentation of women in the Hall. “We have a lack of women in the hall because women weren’t competing back in the day,” Best explained. “We’ve got some active athletes who are world champions, so do we wait until they are retired, or do we induct them now?”
The decision recognizes that athletes in sports like curling and golf often have extended competitive careers, potentially delaying their induction for years. This new policy ensures their achievements are celebrated while they are still actively contributing to their sport.
Community Support for the Change
The policy change has been met with widespread approval within the Ottawa curling community. Christopher Drover, a member at the Ottawa Curling Club, stated, “I’m sure (Homan and Miskew) were gonna end up (in the hall of fame) at some point with a rule change or not. I’m glad it’s happening, and I think it’s fair.” Michael Burke, former president of the Ottawa Curling Club, echoed this sentiment, calling the induction “very well deserved” and praising Homan and Miskew for “sparking the change.”
A Ripple Effect of Success
The impetus for this change arose about a year ago, following Homan and Miskew’s world championship win. The success of other Ottawa-area athletes, such as Brooke Henderson (a winning golfer) and Gabriela Dabrowski (a tennis player), further highlighted the need for a more inclusive policy. Now, winning a major title automatically makes an athlete eligible for consideration.
Brooke Henderson boasts 14 LPGA tournament wins, including two majors, while Gabriela Dabrowski has secured four Grand Slam doubles titles. These achievements, alongside the consistent excellence of Homan and Miskew, underscored the wealth of talent within the Ottawa sports community.
A Legacy of Partnership
Homan and Miskew have been a formidable curling duo since the age of 12. Burke expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to share a club with them, stating, “To be able to see them, watch them, and interact with them is special.” The Ottawa Curling Club proudly displays banners commemorating their successes, serving as a constant reminder of their impact.
As Best stated in a press release, “Rachel and Emma have not only won multiple world and Canadian championships, but they’ve been at the very top of their sport for an exceptional period of time. We’re excited to see what they’re still going to achieve in the future, but they’re also unquestionably already among our city’s best ever.”
Looking Ahead: Potential Future Inductees
The expanded eligibility criteria have opened the door for a new wave of potential inductees. The recent Olympic success of Ottawa speedskaters Ivanie Blondin and Isabelle Weidemann, along with their teammate Valérie Maltais, who won gold in the 2,400-metre women’s team pursuit, demonstrates the potential for future recognition.
Best emphasized that any Ottawa athlete winning a gold medal at the Olympics will automatically become eligible for consideration. This year’s inductees also include former Ottawa Senators player Jason York and Grey Cup-winning offensive lineman Val St. Germain.
Team Homan, currently competing at the Olympics, is poised for a playoff berth. Their continued success and the Hall of Fame’s new policy are a testament to the power of athletic achievement and the importance of recognizing talent while it shines.
