The Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic competitions get underway today in Italy, and continue through February 22nd.
The event marks 50 years since skater Toller Cranston won his bronze medal at the 1976 Winter Olympics.
Toller’s sister, Phillippa Cranston Baran and other close to the late artist through “Toller International” are organizing a series of events to commemorate his legacy.
Toller Cranston is to receive posthumous recognition at the event.
The TV networks will do their part to promote one of Canada’s ground-breaking performers.
Phillippa says a number of the current Olympic performers are carrying on the Toller Cranston legacy.
Cranston Baran says many locals still remember Toller’s inaugural performance to open the Nick Smith Centre
She says her brother, although disappointed with third place at the time, confessed that the showing was catalytic to his determination to give his best at every subsequent outing.
Events for Toller 50 will continue throughout the year- both in Canada, and in Mexico.
By Rick Stow
