Curling icon and CBC reporter Colleen Jones has been appointed to the Order of Canada, recognizing her trailblazing contributions to women's sports and broadcasting. The 63-year-old Nova Scotian, a six-time national champion and two-time world champion, joins fellow athlete Sidney Crosby among the 99 new honorees. Jones expressed surprise at the honour, highlighting curling's broader impact on Canadians.
Colleen Jones, a prominent figure in curling and Canadian broadcasting, was announced on Thursday as one of 99 new appointees to the Order of Canada, the nation's highest civilian honour. At 63, Jones has left an indelible mark on the sport, achieving success across four decades as a competitor and commentator.
Born in Halifax as one of nine children in a curling family, Jones began throwing stones early in life. In 1979, at age 19, she secured her first of 16 provincial titles and a silver medal at the Canada Games. Three years later, in 1982, she became the youngest skip to win the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Regina, leading her team of sisters Barbara and Monica Jones, along with Kay Smith, to victory.
After a nearly two-decade hiatus focused on her career and motherhood, Jones returned to competitive curling in 1999. Teaming with Kim Kelly, Mary-Anne Arsenault, and Nancy Delahunt, she won five national championships in six years, including four consecutive Scotties titles. This feat marked a record 17-year gap between her national wins. The team added two world championships, two Canadian mixed titles, and a world senior championship.
Jones joined CBC as a reporter in 1986 and began curling broadcasts in 1988 alongside Don Wittman and Don Duguid. She faced initial resistance as a woman in the role but persisted, covering Olympics and co-hosting That Curling Show with Devin Heroux. "I was surprised. Really surprised. Didn't see it coming," Jones said from Halifax. "I'm delighted for curling in general because I think it speaks to the power of what curling can bring to other Canadians."
Married to Scott Saunders with sons Zach and Luke, Jones credits her family's support for her achievements. She continues curling in mixed doubles with Luke. Fellow Nova Scotian Sidney Crosby, a three-time Stanley Cup winner and Olympic gold medallist, was also honoured. Jones praised him as an exceptional role model, recalling his humility from youth hockey days against her son.
Reflecting on her 17-year comeback, Jones noted, "If you persevere, good things can happen." Her story underscores resilience, balancing motherhood, career, and sport.
