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Who belongs on Oval’s Wall of Fame?

Richmond News’ sports editor names his top picks in Richmond’s sports world

It’s no mean feat paring down the names that should grace the Wall of Fame that will be unveiled next year as part of a new museum (Richmond Olympic Experience), opening next year at the Richmond Oval.

The city has seen some remarkable individuals bring sport to this community and put Richmond on the sports world map. But, since they asked (the city is asking residents for suggestions) I can’t help but wade in.

Here’s my top 10 list, trying to strike a balance between outstanding athletes and those who work off the field, court, track or ice, making the sport possible for others. 

Dr. Doug and Diane Clement:Doug represented Canada in track at the 1952 and 1956 Summer Olympic Games. Won silver in the 4x400 relay at the 1954 Empire Games in Vancouver. Has been a staff member of a Canadian team for at least 30 international events. He’s also an inductee of the Canadian Olympic and B.C. Sports Hall of Fames. Diane Clement: competed on Canada’s 1956 Olympic team in track, earned a bronze medal at the 1958 Commonwealth Games and went on to serve as president of Athletics Canada. In 1962, the pair co-founded the Richmond Kajaks.

Randy Samuel:A member of the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame who earned 82 international caps on the senior national team, highlighted by being in the starting 11 for Canada’s only World Cup appearance in 1986. He played professionally in Europe from 1986 to 1999.

Rick Hansen:Hansen is a world class athlete who won a combined six medals at the 1980 and 1984 Paralympic Games. His 26-month Main Motion World Tour raised $26 million for spinal research. He’s president and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation and a A B.C. Sports Hall of Fame inductee.

Bill Disbrow: A remarkable 34-year run as head coach of the Richmond Colts senior boys basketball team. Disbrow guided the Colts to five provincial titles from 1985 to 1998. His 1987 team is considered by many to be one of the greatest of all-time.

Les Hamaguchi: Has been coaching senior girls basketball in Richmond for over 30 years including teams at Richmond and Steveston High in the 1980s and 1990s. He’ guided Steveston-London to its first-ever B.C. berth in 2013. He organized the B.C. AAA tournament for nearly 20 years until it moved to the Langley Events Centre.

Brian Johns:A three-time Olympian swimmer who represented Canada in the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Summer Games. One of the most decorated swimmers in CIS university swimming, Johns still holds Canadian records in the 400m and 200m IM short course events.

Darcy Marquardt:A top rower who was a member of the Canadian eight crew that won silver at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. She also won five medals at the World Championships from 2002-2011, highlighted by gold in pairs with Jane Rumball in 2006.

1987 Richmond Sockeyes:Coached by Orland Kurtenbach, a memorable season for the city’s junior hockey franchise concluded by winning the Centennial Cup national junior “A” championship.The B.C. Junior Hockey League champions defeated the host Broncos in the gold medal game.

Jim Mills:A former Richmond High football standout played two years in the NFL before a decorated career in the CFL, mainly for the hometown B.C. Lions. He won the league’s most outstanding lineman award in 1990 and 1991. Was inducted into the CFL Hall of Fame in 2009 and named to the Lions’ All-Time Dream Team.

Takeshi Uchiage:Founded the Steveston Karate Club in 1973 and trained many outstanding athletes including his son Toshihide, a 12-time national champion. The club has produced at least one national champion for 22 consecutive years.

Who do you think belongs on the Wall of Fame? Go to the Richmond News’ Facebook page and let us know.