How did Canadian women’s soccer get put on the map? 

This is the story of Burnaby local, and national legend, Christine Sinclair. She didn’t just play the game, she changed it forever. 

Long before she broke records, Sinclair was just a kid playing soccer in Burnaby. No hype, no foretold prophecy, just a player who kept showing up and getting better. 

In a world before social media, her rise was steady, quiet, and built on consistency and drive. 

By the time she joined the Canada women’s national soccer team, heads turned and necks broke, all eyes were on Christine. She wasn’t just a good player, she was someone who was going to define an era of women’s soccer. 

Let’s make one thing clear, Sinclair didn’t just break records, she shattered them like a glass roof. 

She became the all-time leading goal scorer in international soccer. Hold on, think about that, not just in women’s soccer, it was of all time. Christine passed legends like Abby Wambach and Mia Hamm, with 190 goals in 323 games. That’s no longer just a Canadian achievement, that’s a worldwide legend. 

And what tied it all together was Sinclair demeaner. She was well known for her quiet and humble personality, not even any over-the-top celebrations, just a calm jog back to midfield, ready to do it again. 

That’s what made Sinclair such great leader, and longtime captain of the Canadian national team. Her whole brand was being a leader and a role model.  

Finally, at the peak of her legacy, the 202o Tokyo Olympics. After years of grinding and close calls, the Canadian team finally broke through, winning gold. And of course, right at the center of the team, was captain Canada herself, Sinclair. Not just as a player, but as the emotional heartbeat and core of the team. 

So, what legacy will Christine Sinclair leave behind once her athlete career is over? Well, funny enough, the most important part of her career isn’t just what happened on the field, it’s the waves of impact she created.  

Sinclair set the standard of what was to be expected out of every team she played on. Inspired countless young girls who finally had someone to look up to at the highest level, a complete role model in every sense of the word. 

And for people who grew up in Burnaby, the Lower Mainland, or even Canada, you get to say she’s one of yours.  

For you, it’s not about the national moments or the legacy created, its about the local fields, rainy day practices, and the same communities you drive past and live in every day. 

From Burnaby to Olympic gold, Christine Sinclair didn’t just play the game. She changed it forever.