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Jean Grenier, doctor, sports administrator (born 18 January 1937 in Quebec City; died 20 September 2025 in Quebec City). Jean Grenier's contributions to the field of speed skating through the years have encouraged the development of several Canadian skaters, the most talented later becoming Olympic winners and world champions. He was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, the Québec Sports Hall of Fame, the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, the Quebec Speed Skating Federation's Hall of Fame. He received the Olympic Order in 1998 and the Canadian Olympic Order in 2009.
Career in Medecine
In his professional career, Jean Grenier practised medicine for six years, and then earned an MBA. He was director of Hôpital Laval in Quebec City for a decade, then coroner-in-chief for the province of Quebec until 1992.
Contributions to Speed Skating
In the summer of 1969, Jean Grenier helped establish the renowned Sainte-Foy Speed Skating Club. His own children's keen interest in speed skating proved to be the driving force for Grenier's volunteerism that made him a Canadian pioneer of the ice sport.
In 1970, Grenier helped create and became the founding president of the Quebec Speed Skating Federation. Two years later, his involvement shifted to the national scene when he became an executive member of the Canadian Speed Skating Association, an organization he led in 1976 and 1977.
In 1976, he worked tirelessly for the Canadian Olympic Association as its director. He held the seat of vice president from 1981 to 1989 and was the association's secretary treasurer from 1989 to 1993. In 1993 he again returned as vice-president.
During this period Grenier was assistant chef de mission for the Canadian Olympic team at the Sarajevo Games in 1984. A few years later, he was the Canadian team's chef de mission at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, and was on the Organizing Committee of the first Winter Games held in Canada.
Jean Grenier was heavily involved in the International Skating Union, and formed a committee on short track speed skating. In 1988, his relentless dedication bore fruit when his preferred sport won demonstration status at the Calgary Olympic Games. Officially recognized by the IOC the following year, short track speed skating was an Olympic sport in the Albertville Games in 1992.
Jean Grenier advocated for Quebec City's bid for the 2002 Winter Olympics (which took place in Salt Lake City, Utah) and was executive vice-president for the "Québec 2002" project.
Honours
Jean Grenier's determination and commitment have been highlighted on many occasions. He entered the Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 1995. Two years later, the Quebec Speed Skating Federation's Hall of Fame welcomed him as well. In 1998, Grenier was inducted into the Québec Sports Hall of Fame (Le Panthéon des sports du Québec), and the International Olympic Organizing Committee awarded him its highest honour, the Olympic Order. In 2009, one year before the Vancouver Olympics, he received the Canadian Olympic Order.
