Canadian Olympic gold medalist and charismatic TV personality, best known for his thrilling skeleton racing and entertaining hosting of The Amazing Race Canada.
Jon Montgomery is a household name in Canada, and it's not just because of his impressive career as a skeleton racer. It's the unforgettable moment when he was handed a pitcher of beer by a fan while celebrating his gold medal win at the 2010 Winter Olympics, surrounded by a cheering crowd singing "O Canada".
Born on May 6, 1979, in Russell, Manitoba, Montgomery grew up with a passion for sports. Before becoming a skeleton racer, he worked as an auctioneer in Calgary, not far from Canada Olympic Park. It was during a visit to the track with his parents in 2002 that he discovered skeleton racing, and he was immediately hooked.
Montgomery's early days in skeleton racing were not without challenges. He struggled to make an impact in his first two seasons on the World Cup tour. However, his perseverance paid off, and he won his first World Cup race in Cesana, Italy, in 2008. This victory marked the beginning of his successful career, which included two silver medals at the 2008 FIBT World Championships in Altenberg, Germany.
The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, will always be etched in Montgomery's memory. He qualified for the event based on his performance in the 2009-2010 Skeleton World Cup. In the Olympic event, he trailed Martins Dukurs after the first run but made a remarkable comeback, setting the fastest times in the next two runs, including a track record of 52.20 on his third run. In the fourth and final run, Montgomery won the gold medal by a margin of 0.07 seconds, leaving Dukurs in second place. The celebratory pitch of beer from a fan and the subsequent singing of "O Canada" by the crowd will forever be an iconic moment in Canadian sports history.
After his Olympic triumph, Montgomery continued to excel in his sport, finishing second overall in the 2010-2011 Skeleton World Cup. In 2013, he took on a new challenge as the host of The Amazing Race Canada, a reality TV show that has become a staple in Canadian television.
In an interview with CBC in 2020, Montgomery reflected on his legacy, stating, "If the beer is all I'm ever remembered for, I consider myself the luckiest fella on Earth." This humble attitude and dedication to his craft have inspired countless Canadians and earned him a place as a beloved figure in Canadian sports.
Jon Montgomery's story is one of perseverance, hard work, and dedication to one's passion. As a skeleton racer, TV host, and beloved Canadian icon, he continues to inspire and entertain audiences across the country.
