Sandra Schmirler Husband, Age, Children, Net Worth, Family, Biography, and more
Sandra Schmirler was more than just a curler. She was a champion, a leader, a mother, and a hero. She inspired millions of Canadians and fans around the world with her skill, passion, and courage. She was the skip of the first Canadian women’s team to win Olympic gold in curling, and one of the most successful and beloved athletes in the history of the sport. This is her story.
Sandra Schmirler Wiki/Bio
| Name | Sandra Marie Schmirler |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Schmirler the Curler |
| Born | June 11, 1963 |
| Died | March 2, 2000 |
| Birthplace | Biggar, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Religion | Unknown |
| Occupation | Curler, commentator |
| Spouse | Shannon England (m. 1996–2000) |
| Children | Sara Marion England, Jenna Shirley England |
| Curling career | Skip of the first women’s team to win an Olympic gold medal in curling, three-time world champion, three-time national champion, inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame, and the World Curling Federation Hall of Fame |
| Awards and honours | World Curling Freytag Award, Order of Merit of Saskatchewan, honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Regina |
| Links | Wikipedia- @Sandra_Schmirler Homepage- Newsunzip |
Early Life, Birthday, Family and Career
Sandra Marie Schmirler was born on June 11, 1963 (age: 36 years, when died in 2000) in Biggar, Saskatchewan, a small town with a big slogan: “New York is big, but this is Biggar.” She grew up in a sports-loving family, with her parents, Art and Shirley, and her younger brother, Larry. She excelled at various sports, such as volleyball, badminton, softball, and speed swimming, but it was curling that captured her heart.
She started curling in Grade 7, as part of the school’s physical education program. She soon showed her talent and passion for the game, and joined provincial competitions as a teenager. She won two provincial championships in high school, playing as third on her team. She continued to curl while attending the University of Saskatchewan, where she studied physical education. She made her first appearance in Saskatchewan’s provincial playdowns in 1983, throwing fourth stones for a team of former Canadian junior champions.
In 1986, Sandra Schmirler formed her own team with Kathy Fahlman as skip, Jan Betker as third, and Heather MacMillan as lead. They won the provincial title in 1987, and represented Saskatchewan at the Scott Tournament of Hearts, the Canadian women’s curling championship. They finished fourth in their debut, and returned to the national stage in 1991, placing third.
Height, Weight
- Height: 5’ 7″ (170 cm)
- Weight: 132 lbs (60 kg)
- Eye color: Blue
- Body measurements: 34-26-36 inches (86-66-91 cm)
- Skin color: Fair
- Hair color: Blonde
- Shoe size: 8 (US) and 38.5 (EU)
The Dream Team
In 1991, Sandra Schmirler decided to take over the skip position, and recruited Marcia Gudereit as her new lead. This was the beginning of the dream team that would dominate women’s curling in the 1990s. Schmirler, Betker, Gudereit, and Joan McCusker, who joined as second in 1992, formed a formidable foursome that won six provincial titles, three Canadian titles, and three world titles in the decade. They were known for their aggressive style, precise shot-making, and strong team chemistry. They were also known for their fun-loving personalities, and their nickname, “Schmirler the Curler.”
The team’s first major breakthrough came in 1993, when they won their first Scott Tournament of Hearts, defeating British Columbia’s Julie Skinner in the final. They went on to represent Canada at the World Curling Championships in Geneva, Switzerland, where they faced the defending champions from Norway, skipped by Dordi Nordby. In a thrilling final, Schmirler made a spectacular double takeout with her last stone to score three points and win the game, 8-7. It was the first world title for Canada in women’s curling since 1986.
The team repeated their success in 1994, winning their second consecutive Scott Tournament of Hearts and World Curling Championship. They defeated Manitoba’s Connie Laliberte in the Canadian final, and Scotland’s Kirsty Hay in the world final. They also won the Canadian Olympic Curling Trials, earning the right to represent Canada at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, where curling was a demonstration sport. They finished fourth in the Olympic tournament, losing the bronze medal game to Sweden.
The team took a break from curling in 1995, as Sandra Schmirler and McCusker both gave birth to their first children. They returned to the ice in 1996, and won their third Scott Tournament of Hearts in 1997, beating Alberta’s Cathy King in the final. They also won their third World Curling Championship, defeating Sweden’s Elisabet Gustafson in the final. They became the first women’s team to win three world titles, and the second team overall, after Ernie Richardson’s legendary rink from the 1950s and 1960s.
Husband, Daughters and Death
Schmirler married Shannon England, a former curler and a police officer, in 1996. They had two daughters, Sara and Jenna, who were born in 1995 and 1999, respectively. Schmirler was a devoted mother, who balanced her curling career with her family life. She often brought her children to the curling events, and they became part of the curling community.
Sandra Schmirler was also a respected ambassador of curling, who promoted the sport and inspired many young curlers. She was known for her friendly and humble personality, as well as her fierce and competitive spirit. She sometimes worked as a commentator for CBC Sports, where she earned the nickname “Schmirler the Curler”.
In September 1999, Schmirler was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that had spread to her lungs and liver. She underwent chemotherapy and surgery, but the cancer proved to be incurable. She died on March 2, 2000, in Regina, surrounded by her family and friends.
Olympic Glory
In 1997, Sandra Schmirler married Shannon England, a former curler and a sports reporter. They had their first child, a daughter named Sara, in 1998. That same year, Schmirler and her team had their biggest challenge and opportunity: to compete at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, where curling was a medal sport for the first time. They faced high expectations and pressure from the Canadian public, who considered them the gold medal favorites.
The team did not disappoint. They dominated the round-robin stage, winning five out of six games, and securing a spot in the semifinals. They faced Denmark, skipped by Helena Blach Lavrsen, in a close and tense game. She made a clutch draw to the button with her last stone to score one point and win the game, 5-4.
They advanced to the gold medal game, where they met the host nation, Japan, skipped by Atsuko Fujimura. The Japanese team put up a strong fight, but Schmirler and her team were too strong. They won the game, 7-5, and became the first Olympic champions in women’s curling.
The team celebrated their historic victory with joy and emotion, hugging each other and waving the Canadian flag. They also shared their gold medals with their fifth player, Atina Ford, who did not play in any game, but was an integral part of the team.
They received a hero’s welcome when they returned to Canada, and were honored with various awards and accolades. They were named the Canadian Press Team of the Year, and received honorary doctorates from the University of Regina. They were also inducted into the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame.
Legacy and Tragedy
Sandra Schmirler and her team continued to curl after their Olympic triumph, winning their sixth and final provincial title in 1998. They also defended their Canadian title at the 1998 Scott Tournament of Hearts, held in their home province of Saskatchewan. They defeated Ontario’s Alison Goring in the final, becoming the first women’s team to win four Canadian titles. They also became the first team to win the Scotties Tournament of Hearts and the Olympic gold medal in the same year.
However, their bid for a fourth world title was cut short, as Schmirler was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in her abdomen. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy, and was unable to compete at the 1998 World Curling Championship. Her longtime teammate and friend, Jan Betker, took over the skip position, and led the team to a silver medal, losing to Sweden’s Elisabet Gustafson in the final.
She fought bravely against her illness, and remained optimistic and hopeful. She gave birth to her second child, a daughter named Jenna, in 1999. She also continued to be involved in curling, working as a commentator for CBC Sports, and supporting various charitable causes. She was the honorary chairperson of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation, which raises funds for neonatal care units across Canada.
Sadly, Schmirler’s condition worsened, and she passed away on March 2, 2000, at the age of 36. She left behind her husband, Shannon, and her two daughters, Sara and Jenna, as well as her parents, brother, teammates, friends, and fans. She was mourned by the entire nation, and received tributes from various dignitaries, including Prime Minister Jean Chretien, Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, and Queen Elizabeth II. She was also honored by the World Curling Federation, which awarded her the World Curling Freytag Award, and later inducted her into the World Curling Hall of Fame.
Sandra was a curler who captured hearts and gold. She was a champion who made history, a leader who inspired others, a mother who loved her family, and a hero who touched many lives. She was a legend who will never be forgotten.
Net Worth
| Year | Net Worth (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| 1997 | $3.5 million |
| 1998 | $4.0 million |
| 1999 | $4.5 million |
