Remembering Colleen Jones: A Legacy Beyond the Curling Rink

Farewell to a Champion

Colleen Jones, the beloved curling champion and groundbreaking television broadcaster, passed away at the age of 65, leaving an indelible mark on sports and media alike. A resident of Maders Cove, Nova Scotia, she succumbed to complications from colon cancer, which she bravely battled for nearly three years. Her sister, Monica Moriarty, shared the tragic news, prompting an outpouring of grief across Canada.

A Record-Breaking Career

Jones's accolades as a curler are impressive. She secured two world titles and six Canadian national championships, at a time when women's curling was still finding its footing. As captain, or skip, she orchestrated strategies and inspired her teammates, demonstrating the analytical skill that would later define her broadcasting career. Inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 2016, she was honored as the second greatest athlete in Nova Scotia's history, a testament to her skill and dedication.

Pioneering the Broadcasting Scene

In 1986, Jones broke new ground by becoming the first female sports anchor at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Halifax. Over her career spanning nearly four decades, she became a household name as a commentator, anchor, and weather presenter. Her enthusiasm and insight enriched the sports landscape, especially curling, as she served as a commentator for numerous Winter and Summer Games.

A Passion for Performance

Even without an Olympic medal to her name, Jones's contributions to the sport are immeasurable. As Nolan Thiessen, CEO of Curling Canada, noted, “She is the best of what our sport is and can be.” This sentiment encapsulates the respect she garnered from her peers and the curling community.

Innovative Training and Mindset

Jones was known for her intense training regimen—a combination of physical fitness and mental preparation. Becoming one of the first to employ sports psychology, she sought ways to bolster her performance under pressure. Her pre-match rituals reflected her unique approach; from watching “Gladiator” to channel invincibility to a strict diet and meditative practices, she inspired her teammates to commit fully.

Personal Insights and Quirks

Colleen was well-loved for her vibrant personality, described as breezy and energetic. Her former teammate, Kim Kelly, shared anecdotes highlighting Jones's quirks, including her strict bedtime and penchant for complete darkness and silence while sleeping before big matches. “She was quirky,” Kelly reminisced, underlining the affection and camaraderie they shared.

Life Beyond Curling

Born on December 16, 1959, in Halifax, her upbringing in a curling family meant the sport was ingrained in her DNA. With nine siblings and a father who held a significant position in Nova Scotia's judicial system, she was no stranger to discipline and challenge. Her early practice techniques included sliding on the kitchen floor to master her skills. She made waves in competition at a young age, becoming the youngest skip to win a national championship by 22.

Legacy of Love and Celebration

Jones's legacy extends beyond her titles. Her tenacity and zest for life established her as an inspiring figure in both sports and television. Survivors include her husband, Scott Saunders; her sons Luke and Zach; and a loving community who will cherish her memory. Kelly aptly stated, “I think she was a person in the world that left a big footprint.” Indeed, in curling, her influence remains unmatched.

“We would win a world championship and we'd be barely finishing our first glass of wine, and she'd say, 'We need to get better at this, we need to do this different...'” - Mary-Anne Arsenault, reflecting on their competitive spirit.

Conclusion

As we remember Colleen Jones, we honor a woman who embraced challenges with grace and fervor. Her spirit lives on not just in the records she set but in the hearts of everyone lucky enough to know her or witness her journey.

Further Reading

• Order of Canada Recognition
• Honors in Nova Scotia Sports
• Tributes from Former Teammates