Former world champion and Olympian Gord Singleton has died at the age of 67 from prostate cancer.
Gordon Singleton began his Olympic journey in Montreal in 1976, competing in the sprint on the track. Despite being named to the national team for the Moscow Games in 1980, he couldn’t participate due to Canada’s involvement in the American-led boycott of the Games. Undeterred, he redirected his competitive spirit towards breaking world records. In October 1980, within a remarkable 24-hour span, Singleton set new global standards in the 200m flying start (10.58s), 500m flying start (27.31s), and 1000m standing start (1:03.823). Singleton was from Niagara Falls, Ont., and was married to Louann Godak and had two sons, Chris and Jamie.
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In 1982, Singleton etched his name in history once again by becoming the first Canadian to clinch a world title in track cycling, securing keirin gold along with his second consecutive sprint silver. Prior to this feat, he had already attained a 1000 m time trial silver at the 1979 World Championships. His prowess extended beyond the world stage, as evidenced by his triumphs at the 1979 Pan American Games, where he claimed gold in both the sprint and the 1000m time trial. In 1978, Singleton had also stood atop the podium at the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, clinching gold in the sprint and bronze in the 1000 m time trial.
Louis Garneau, who rode in the 1984 Olympics, said that Canada has lost a legend. “It’s very sad news for the community. Gord was one of the greats.”
The staff at Canadian Cycling Magazine have had the honour of knowing Gord, and send our condolences to his family.
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