Sandra
Schmirler died of cancer in March, 2000. She was only thirty-six years
old when this occurred. She died in Regina, Saskatchewan.
She was well known for being the first person on a women's curling team to win a gold medal. Being a famous Canadian curler, Sandra was known as, "Schmirler the Curler". She was known for her focus and skill. All curlers that challenged her knew that they were going to lose. They said so themselves.
Schmirler first learned this sport when she was twelve. In high school, she won many curling honors.
After she graduated from the University in Regina, Sandra was asked if she wanted to join a local curling team. Her team members were Jan Betker, Joan McCusker, and Marcia Gudereit. They became not only Olympic gold medalists, but great friends.
Schmirler's foursome team won the Olympic gold medal in 1998, in Nagamo. They defeated Denmark. This was the first time curling was a medal sport for woman. Sandra and her team were known as heroines for this.
Schmirler the Curler was voted by the Canadian Press "Curler of the Year" in 1998. Also, she was put in the Curling Hall of Fame last March.
People will remember her as a curling legend.
