Charmaine Crooks facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Charmaine Crooks CM, OLY
Crooks in 2013
36th President of the Canadian Soccer Association
Incumbent
Assumed office March 1, 2023
Preceded by	Nick Bontis
Personal details
Born	(1962-08-08) August 8, 1962 (age 62) Mandeville, Jamaica
Alma mater	University of Texas at El Paso
Charmaine Crooks Personal information Nationality Canadian Height 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) Weight 58 kg (128 lb) Sport Sport Running Event(s) 400 metres, 800 metres Medal record Women's athletics Representing  Canada Olympic Games Silver 1984 Los Angeles 4x400 m relay Commonwealth Games Gold 1982 Brisbane 4x400 m relay Gold 1986 Edinburgh 4x400 m relay Silver 1994 Victoria 800 m Bronze 1994 Victoria 4x400 m relay Pan American Games Gold 1983 Caracas 400 m Silver 1983 Caracas 4x400 m relay Silver 1987 Indianapolis 4x400 m relay Francophone Games Silver 1989 Casablanca 400 m Silver 1989 Casablanca 4x400 m relay Pan American Junior Athletics Championships Gold 1980 Sudbury 400 m Silver 1980 Sudbury 4x400 m relay Representing Americas World Cup Bronze 1981 Rome 4x400 m relay Gold 1989 Barcelona 4x400 m relay Silver 1992 Havana 400 m Gold 1992 Havana 4x400 m relay

Charmaine Crooks (born August 8, 1962) is a Canadian businesswoman and sports leader. She was also a very successful runner. She competed in sprint and middle-distance races.

Charmaine was born in Mandeville, Jamaica. She moved to Canada when she was six years old. For nearly 20 years, she proudly represented Canada in athletics. She competed in five Olympic Games. One of her biggest achievements was winning a silver medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. She and her teammates set a national record in the 4 x 400 metres relay. Charmaine was also the first Canadian woman to run the 800 metres race in under two minutes. She won many gold medals at other major events like the Pan American Games and Commonwealth Games. In 1996, she had the special honor of being Canada's flag bearer at the opening ceremonies of the Atlanta Olympic Games.

Early Life and Schooling

Charmaine Crooks was born in Mandeville, Jamaica. She moved to Toronto, Canada, when she was six. She went to Winona Public elementary school. Later, she attended West Toronto Secondary School. There, she showed great talent in athletics.

High School Achievements

In 1979 and 1980, Charmaine became the high school champion in Ontario for the 400 metres race. Her athletic skills earned her a scholarship to the University of Texas at El Paso. While at university, she was named 'All-American' six times. This is a special award for top college athletes.

A Career in Running

Charmaine Crooks represented Canada for almost 20 years. She was a top athlete in track and field.

Olympic and International Success

She competed in five Olympic Games, which is a huge accomplishment! A major highlight was winning a silver medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics. This was for the 4x400m relay race in Los Angeles. She also won gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and Pan American Games.

Life After Competition

After she stopped competing, Charmaine Crooks started a new career. She moved into sports administration. This means she helps manage and lead sports organizations.

NGU Consultants

Since 1994, Charmaine has been the president and founder of NGU Consultants. This company helps with sports marketing and business advice. She also works as a keynote speaker. She gives talks at events about teamwork, leadership, and the Olympic Movement.

Leadership in Sports Organizations

Charmaine has held many important roles in sports.

• In 1996, she was elected to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes Commission.
• From 2000 to 2004, she was a full voting member of the IOC.
• She helped create the independent IOC Ethics Commission. This group makes sure sports are fair and honest.
• She is also on the executive board of the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC).
• She was a key member of the team that helped Vancouver win the bid to host the 2010 Winter Olympics.
• From 2003 to 2011, she was a Vice President of the World Olympians Association (WOA). This group supports former Olympic athletes.
• She was a founding member of Right To Play. This organization uses sports to help young people in need around the world.
• She is a board member of the Canucks Autism Network (CAN). She is also an honorary member of Big Sisters of the Lower Mainland.
• She is part of FIFA's Organizing Committee for Competitions.

Awards and Recognition

In 2006, the International Olympic Committee gave Charmaine an award. It was the Women And Sport Trophy for Canada/America. In December 2022, she received the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honors.

Role in Canadian Soccer

On May 1, 2021, Charmaine Crooks was named vice president of Canada Soccer. Then, on March 1, 2023, she became the interim president of the Canadian Soccer Association. This shows her continued leadership in Canadian sports.

See also

In Spanish: Charmaine Crooks para niños