Gaétan Boucher

Gaétan Boucher, born on 10 May 1958, is a former Canadian speed skater who became an Olympic champion. He first trained in ice hockey but changed to speed skating after winning a national title in 1972. He took part in the Olympics of 1976, 1980, 1984 and 1988: he was second in the 1000 m behind Eric Heiden in 1980, and at the 1984 Games he carried the Canadian flag and won three medals, including golds in the 1000 m and 1500 m, becoming the first Canadian man to win an individual Winter Olympic gold. He won the 1984 World Sprint Championships and six World Championship events from 1981 to 1985, and received the Oscar Mathisen Award and the Lou Marsh Trophy in 1984. He was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1983, promoted to Officer in 1984, and named a Knight of the National Order of Quebec in 1985. After retiring he worked as a French-language broadcaster and designed skates for Bauer.