Ottawa Curling Icons Homan, Miskew Revise Hall of Fame Criteria
The Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame has revised its eligibility criteria to include active athletes, a change inspired by the remarkable achievements of local curlers Rachel Homan and Emma Miskew. Both curlers are three-time world champions and five-time winners of the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, a national curling championship.
New Criteria for Induction
This new policy will allow any athlete from the Ottawa area who wins a world championship, Olympic medal, or a significant international sporting event to be considered for induction, regardless of whether they are retired.
Influence of Homan and Miskew
Homan and Miskew are currently competing for Canada at the Milano Cortina Winter Games in Italy. Their induction marks an important step towards acknowledging women’s achievements in sports, particularly in a field where representation has been historically lacking.
- Rachel Homan: Skip of Team Homan, known for multiple national and world titles.
- Emma Miskew: Vice-skip and a pivotal member of the curling team.
Dave Best, chair of the Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame, emphasized the need for ongoing recognition of current athletes. He noted that many professional athletes, especially in sports like curling and golf, can have extended careers that delay their hall of fame induction. “Why wait until they’re retired?” Best questioned.
Historical Context
Historically, the Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame has inducted only retired athletes. The discussion to allow active competitors started approximately a year ago, particularly following Homan and Miskew’s world championship victory.
Best cited other athletes who are in contention for induction, such as Brooke Henderson, a professional golfer from Smiths Falls, and Gabriela Dabrowski, a talented tennis player. Henderson has won 14 LPGA tournaments, including two major championships. Dabrowski boasts four Grand Slam titles, including two U.S. Open doubles victories.
Potential Inductees and Future Changes
The changes have opened up new possibilities for the Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame, particularly in light of upcoming Olympic competitions. Athletes such as Ivanie Blondin and Isabelle Weidemann are potential future inductees after their successful performance in the team pursuit, where they defended their gold medal from the Beijing Olympics.
Recognition of Achievements
Best declared the importance of recognizing athletes’ accomplishments while they are still active. “Who knows who is going to win a gold medal this time around?” he said. Winning a major title will now make individuals eligible for consideration, but it does not guarantee induction.
The latest lineup of inductees was shared on January 27, which also includes Jason York, a former NHL player, and Val St. Germain, who played in the CFL.
Team Homan’s Olympic Journey
As of February 18, 2026, Team Homan’s record stands at 5-3 in the ongoing Olympic tournament, with one more victory needed to secure a playoff spot. The team consists of:
- Rachel Homan: Skip
- Tracy Fleury: Vice-skip
- Emma Miskew: Second
- Sarah Wilkes: Lead
- Rachelle Brown: Alternate
The Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame’s policy shift recognizes the evolving landscape of sports and the contributions of contemporary athletes. This change is seen as fitting for icons like Homan and Miskew, who continue to set benchmarks in their sport.
