Dr. Roger Jackson is not only one of Canada’s most heralded athletes and for more than four decades has worked to raise the sights of Canada’s academic, medical and Olympic endeavours.
Jackson graduated from UBC with an MPE in 1967 after having become nationally recognized as a rower with UBC’s Eights and UBC’s Pairs, combining with teammate George Hungerford in the latter to win an unexpected gold at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He was Canada’s flag-bearer for the 1968 Olympics continuing to row for Canada at the 1972 Olympic Games.
With his gold in 1964, he and Hungerford were the toast of the nation while being awarded the Lou Marsh Trophy as the Canadian Athlete of the year – with Rick Hanson the only other UBC athlete to receive this prestigious honour.
Roger went on to doctoral studies at the University of Wisconsin to achieve a PhD in Biodynamics. He then undertook a year of post-doctoral study at the University of Copenhagen. A year later, he represented Canada at the Munich Olympic Games, marking the end of his career as an Olympic competitor and the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
Jackson became involved with the Olympic movement as he co-ordinated the 1976 Olympics’ Game Plan as director of Sport Canada. He was chairman of the advisory board for the 1988 Calgary Olympics and was president of the Canadian Olympic Association from 1982 until 1990.
Roger continued his quest in physical education and Kinesiology as he became dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. He is also the founder and Director of the University of Calgary Sport Medicine Centre, which not only bears his name but has grown in influence and comprehensiveness.
Dr. Jackson has a most impressive list of honours and acknowledgements including: the BC and UBC Sports Halls of Fame, UBC Alumni Achievement Award, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, the IOC Olympic Order and the Order of Canada. In 2005, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Own the Podium 2010.
