Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who topped the NBA in scoring last season and later earned league MVP and Finals MVP accolades, was selected as the Canadian athlete of the year on Tuesday. A panel of sports media experts in Toronto chose the Hamilton native over other notable athletes such as Olympic swimmer Summer McIntosh, curler Rachel Homan, World Rugby women’s player of the year Sophie de Goede, and world hammer throw champion Camryn Rogers from a pool of 18 nominees.
Gilgeous-Alexander, aged 27, clinched the Northern Star Award (previously known as the Lou Marsh Trophy) in 2023 after guiding the Canadian men’s national team to a historic bronze at the Basketball World Cup and securing its first Olympic qualification in 23 years. He joins the ranks of NHL icon Wayne Gretzky and figure skating legend Barbara Ann Scott as the 10th multiple winner of the award.
In a remarkable achievement, Gilgeous-Alexander became the second Canadian player to receive the NBA MVP title since Steve Nash in 2005 and 2006. During the last regular season, he averaged 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and five rebounds per game, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 68-14 record and their second championship in franchise history. He also became the first guard to claim MVP honors since James Harden in 2018.
Prior to Gilgeous-Alexander, only three players in NBA history had managed to secure the scoring title, league MVP, NBA championship, and Finals MVP in a single season: Hall of Famers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal.
Reflecting on Gilgeous-Alexander’s achievements, Rowan Barrett, the general manager of the Canadian men’s national team, commended his outstanding performance, stating, “Many athletes would be considered a great player having achieved just one of these accolades. To do them all with such grace, calmness under pressure, and true leadership in every sense of the word, it was a beautiful thing to behold.”
In a contrasting journey, Gilgeous-Alexander’s career saw humble beginnings as he was cut from his junior varsity team in Grade 9. Despite facing initial setbacks, he continued to persevere, eventually excelling in basketball. His former coach, Tim Francis, praised his work ethic and sportsmanship, emphasizing the importance of humility and dedication in achieving success.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarkable season in 2024-25 culminated in a stellar performance where he scored 29 points and provided 12 assists, leading the Thunder to victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. His continuous improvement was showcased by his enhanced scoring averages and career-best shooting percentages, demonstrating his commitment to excellence on the court.
On the other hand, Summer McIntosh, the talented swimmer, made headlines by clinching four gold medals at the World Aquatics Championships in August. The 19-year-old athlete displayed exceptional skill in various events, securing victories in the 200-meter individual medley and butterfly, 400 freestyle, and medley races, along with a bronze in the 800 freestyle.
McIntosh’s outstanding performance marked her as only the second woman in history to win four individual titles in a 50m pool at a single long-course world championship, following in the footsteps of American swimmer Katie Ledecky. She also joined an elite group of swimmers, including Michael Phelps and Sarah Sjostrom, by earning five individual medals at world championships.
Throughout her career, McIntosh has amassed an impressive collection of world medals, totaling 13, including eight gold, one silver, and four bronze. Her dedication and success were evident as she broke three world records in five days during the Canadian trials in June, setting new benchmarks in the 400 freestyle, 200 medley, and 400 IM events.
The Northern Star Award, formerly known as the Lou Marsh Award, is an esteemed recognition presented annually by the Toronto Star. Voted on by sports journalists across Canada, the award has been a symbol of athletic excellence since 1936. Renamed due to concerns regarding historical racist language associated with the previous namesake, the award continues to honor outstanding Canadian athletes who have achieved remarkable feats in their respective sports.