Today, the Canadian Olympic Committee issued the following statement on the passing of 1948 Olympic Figure Skating champion Barbara Ann Scott. The two-time world champion and Olympic champion passed away at the age of 84 with her husband Tom King by her side.

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Toronto - October 1, 2012 - Today, the Canadian Olympic Committee issued the following statement on the passing of 1948 Olympic Figure Skating champion Barbara Ann Scott. The two-time world champion and Olympic champion passed away at the age of 84 with her husband Tom King by her side.

Born in Ottawa in 1928 she began skating at the young age of seven. Twenty years later, in 1948, she won Gold, making our nation proud. “Canada's Sweetheart" was made an Officer of the Order of Canada and a member of the Order of Ontario in 2008 for her contributions to sports and charitable endeavours. She was also inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, the Skate Canada Hall of Fame and the International Women's Sports Hall of Fame.

“The Canadian Olympic Committee joins the rest of Canada in mourning the death of Olympic champion Barbara Ann Scott. Ms. Scott’s grace and humility put her in a class of her own. Her accomplishments will never be forgotten as she has paved the way for generations of figure skaters. Barbara Ann Scott is the only Canadian to win a historic gold medal at women's figure skating at the Olympic Games.

“This is a tremendous loss to the sporting community and indeed to the entire country. We send our deepest condolences to her husband Tom, her family, friends and loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn their loss.”