All the hits, all the misses, and everything in between.
1908 – LONDON
Image: COC (Canadian Olympic Committee)
Canada’s first ever National Lacrosse Team proudly wear a beaver on their chest. They also took home the gold, NBD!
1928 – AMSTERDAM
Images: COC
With the roaring 20’s in full swing the Canadian Women’s team looks decidedly flapper-esque.
1932 – LAKE PLACID
Image: COC
Canada’s men’s ski team rocks berets, leggings and the cutest maple leaf jumper – proving that Olympic headwear has ALWAYS been questionable and we can’t place all the blame on Ralph Lauren for this.
1936 – GARMISCH – PARTENKIRCHEN
Image: COC
(I did some research and it turns out Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a mountain resort town in Bavaria, southern Germany. Now you know!)
Not much as changed in terms of uniforms since the Lake Placid games, however the visible black eyes are amazing.
1948 – LONDON
Image: Toronto Star
Again with the berets!!! Otherwise, from the blazers to the heels these female athletes look classic & elegant. However, the little white gloves seem like overkill to me.
1956 – MELBOURNE
Images: Toronto Star
Navy blue crested wool blazers were the staple of the Melbourne games look. Complete with a bucket hat and bag for the ladies, and a silk blue/red/white tie for the gents. Can’t rag on this classic look too much, except to say WE WANT MORE RED.
1960 – SQUAW VALLEY
Image: COC
(It’s in California)
Nancy Greene and the rest of the Alpine Ski Team model some err … interesting uniforms and some questionable shoes.
1964 – INNISBRUCK
Images: COC
On the right: Debbie Wilkes and Guy Revell show off their classic HBC stripped coats and their bronze medals for pairs figure skating.
1972 – MUNICH (Summer)
Image: Toronto Star
Welp, we got our wish this RED ensemble. But, the bellbottoms gots ta go!
1972 – SAPPORO (Winter)
Image: COC
I can’t help but shiver looking at this picture of the Alpine Skiing Team. And I can’t help but cringe when looking at the ladies’ bare legs and moccasins.
1976 – MONTREAL (woot!)
Image: Toronto Star
The uniforms for the first games on home soil were the creation of Montreal designer John Warden. Oh, the 70’s!
1984 – LOS ANGELES (Summer)
Image: COC
France Gareau (L) and Angela Taylor (R) celebrate their silver medal win for the 4x400m relay in their snazzy Adidas tracksuits.
1984 – SARAJEVO (Winter)
Image: COC
Canada’s Winter Olympics Team arrive at the opening ceremonies in red parkas, grey slacks, and pompom topped toques.
1988 – CALGARY (whoop!)
Image: COC
Yikes! Apparently we are all cowboys in Calgary.
1992 – BARCELONA
Image: COC
-_- … what is there to say? The 90’s were a challenging time for everyone, but especially the Canadian Women’s Team as they were forced to wear this horrid print. Good to know though, that the fanny packs were unisex.
1996 – ATLANTA
Image: COC
See what I mean about the 90’s? Apparently the whole Olympic team thought they were going on a safari … in Atlanta.
1998 – NAGANO
Image: COC
Oh yes, the year of the red fleece backwards pageboy hat. I totally begged my mom for one of those … sigh. What were we thinking Roots?
2000 – SYDNEY
Image: COC
Better, but not great. What is with our country and hats? We can’t seem to get it right.
2004 – ATHENS
Image: Toronto Star
A return to the Olympics homeland had our athletes rocking sandals for the first time. While some couldn’t resist the chance to wear an olive branch crown.
2006 – TURIN
Image: COC
Danielle Goyette, hockey player, lead a white and red clad Canadian team as flag bearer. While I’m not crazy about the boots or jackets I must say, they do look warm.
2008 – BEIJING
Image: Toronto Star
It feels like just yesterday that I was trying to control my gag reflex over these Beijing uniforms. Okay, not really. But they were badddd. Remember?
2010 – VANCOUVER (sniff, sniff, tear)
Image: COC
Ahhh Vancity! Look at those smiles! The Vancouver Games really were perfect, weren’t they? I have not one complaint.
Which brings us up to date (drum roll please) …
2012 – LONDON
Image: CBC
While I’ve never been crazy about khakis, and the mismatched footwear needs work, I’ve gotta say our country produces some beautiful athletes. And classy ones at that – the ties were a nice touch gentlemen!