View source for Sandra Schmirler

{{Short description|Canadian curler (1963–2000)}}
{{redirect|Sandra Peterson|the Minnesota politician|Sandra Peterson (politician)|the American businesswoman|Sandi Peterson}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox curler
| name = Sandra Schmirler
| image = Schmirler Sandra.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Schmirler at the [[1998 Winter Olympics]]
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1963|6|11}}<ref>{{cite book |title=The New York Times Biographical Service |date=2000 |publisher=New York Times & Arno Press |page=508 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S-EzAQAAIAAJ |language=en}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Biggar, Saskatchewan]], Canada
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2000|3|2|1963|6|11}}
| death_place = {{nowrap|[[Regina, Saskatchewan]], Canada}}
| other_names = Sandra Peterson
| Hearts appearances = 7 ([[1987 Scott Tournament of Hearts|1987]], [[1991 Scott Tournament of Hearts|1991]], [[1993 Scott Tournament of Hearts|1993]], [[1994 Scott Tournament of Hearts|1994]], [[1995 Scott Tournament of Hearts|1995]], [[1997 Scott Tournament of Hearts|1997]], [[1998 Scott Tournament of Hearts|1998]])
| World Championship appearances = 3 ([[1993 World Women's Curling Championship|1993]], [[1994 World Women's Curling Championship|1994]], [[1997 Ford World Women's Curling Championship|1997]])
| Olympic appearances = 1 ([[Curling at the 1998 Winter Olympics|1998]])
| Other appearances =
| Grand Slam victories =
| medaltemplates=
{{Medal|Sport | Women's [[curling]]}}
{{Medal|Country | {{Flagu|Canada}} }}
{{Medal|Competition|[[Curling at the Winter Olympics|Olympic Games]]}}
{{Medal|Gold| [[Curling at the 1998 Winter Olympics|1998 Nagano]] | [[List of Olympic medalists in curling|Team]]}}
{{Medal|Competition|[[World Curling Championships]]}}
{{Medal|Gold| [[1993 World Women's Curling Championship|1993 Geneva]] | [[List of women's World Curling champions|Team]]}}
{{Medal|Gold| [[1994 World Women's Curling Championship|1994 Oberstdorf]] | [[List of women's World Curling champions|Team]]}}
{{Medal|Gold| [[1997 Ford World Women's Curling Championship|1997 Berne]] | [[List of women's World Curling champions|Team]]}}
{{Medal|Country | {{SK}} }}
{{Medal|Competition | [[Scott Tournament of Hearts]]}}
{{Medal|Gold | [[1993 Scott Tournament of Hearts|1993 Brandon]] | [[Scott Tournament of Hearts#Past champions|Team]] }}
{{Medal|Gold | [[1994 Scott Tournament of Hearts|1994 Kitchener-Waterloo]] | [[Scott Tournament of Hearts#Past champions|Team]] }}
{{Medal|Gold | [[1997 Scott Tournament of Hearts|1997 Vancouver]] | [[Scott Tournament of Hearts#Past champions|Team]] }}
{{Medal|Bronze | [[1995 Scott Tournament of Hearts|1995 Calgary]] | [[Scott Tournament of Hearts#Past champions|Team]] }}
{{Medal|Bronze | [[1998 Scott Tournament of Hearts|1998 Regina]] | [[Scott Tournament of Hearts#Past champions|Team]] }}
{{Medal|Competition | [[Canadian Olympic Curling Trials]]}}
{{Medal|Gold | [[1997 Canadian Olympic Curling Trials|1997 Brandon]] | [[Canadian Olympic Curling Trials#Women's champions|Team]] }}
}}

'''Sandra Marie Schmirler''' {{Post-nominals|country=CAN|SOM}} (June 11, 1963 – March 2, 2000) was a Canadian [[curling|curler]] who captured three Canadian Curling Championships ([[Scott Paper Company|Scott]] [[Tournament of Hearts]]) and three [[World Women's Curling Championship|World Curling Championships]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usask.ca/100/alumni/sandra_schmirler.php|title=100 Alumni of Influence – Sandra Schmirler|publisher=[[University of Saskatchewan]]|access-date=November 26, 2012}}</ref> Schmirler also [[skip (curling)|skipped]] (captained) her Canadian team to a gold medal at the [[1998 Winter Olympics]], the first year [[Curling at the Winter Olympics|women's curling was a medal sport]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/712847/Sandra-Schmirler|title=Sandra Schmirler (Canadian athlete)|publisher=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]] Online|access-date=October 29, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.ca.msn.com/other/photos/canadian-athletes-taken-too-soon?page=4|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104050236/http://sports.ca.msn.com/other/photos/canadian-athletes-taken-too-soon?page=4|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 4, 2013|title=Canadian athletes taken too soon – Sandra Schmirler|last=Buckland|first=Jason|date=August 31, 2011|publisher=FOX Sports on MSN Canada|access-date=November 26, 2012}}</ref> At tournaments where she was not competing, Schmirler sometimes worked as a commentator for [[CBC Sports]], which popularized her nickname "'''Schmirler the Curler'''"<ref name="nytobit">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/04/sports/sandra-schmirler-36-dies-olympic-curling-champion.html|title=Sandra Schmirler, 36, Dies; Olympic Curling Champion|last=McElroy|first=Kathleen|date=March 4, 2000|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=October 29, 2012}}</ref> and claimed she was the only person who had a name that rhymed with the sport she played. She died in 2000 at 36 of cancer, leaving a legacy that extended outside of curling. Schmirler was honoured posthumously with an induction into the [[Canadian Sports Hall of Fame]] and was awarded the World Curling Freytag Award, which later led to her induction into the [[WCF Hall of Fame|World Curling Federation Hall of Fame]].

In 2019, Schmirler was named the second greatest Canadian female curler in history (after [[Jennifer Jones (curler)|Jennifer Jones]]) in a [[The Sports Network|TSN]] poll of broadcasters, reporters and top curlers.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.tsn.ca/tsn-s-top-10-greatest-women-curlers | title=Top 10 Greatest Women Curlers}}</ref> Schmirler's Olympic team, which also included [[Jan Betker]], [[Joan McCusker]] and [[Marcia Gudereit]], was named the greatest female Canadian curling team of all time as part of the same poll.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.tsn.ca/canada-s-greatest-curlers-schmirler-s-foursome-named-greatest-rink-of-all-time-1.1253745 |title = Canada's Greatest Curlers: Schmirler's foursome named greatest rink of all-time – TSN.ca|date = February 22, 2019}}</ref>

[[Category:Curlers from Saskatchewan]]

==Curling career==
While attending Biggar Composite School<ref name="libarchcan">{{cite web|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/women/030001-1515-e.html|title=Sandra Schmirler|publisher=[[Library and Archives Canada]]|access-date=November 27, 2012}}</ref> in [[Biggar, Saskatchewan|Biggar]], [[Saskatchewan]], Canada, Schmirler started curling in Grade 7 as part of the school's physical education program. She grew up an athlete, playing [[volleyball]], [[badminton]], and [[softball]].<ref name="msn">{{cite web|url=http://sports.ca.msn.com/other/photos/canadian-sporting-icons?page=2|title=Canadian sporting icons – Sandra Schmirler|last=Harrison|first=Ian|date=May 17, 2012|publisher=Fox Sports on MSN Canada|access-date=November 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728101918/http://sports.ca.msn.com/other/photos/canadian-sporting-icons?page=2|archive-date=July 28, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> She was also an avid [[swimming (sport)|speed swimmer]].<ref>Lefko, p.12</ref> She continued to curl on the local scene, participating in the [[Biggar Curling Club]] ladies' league in Grade 9.<ref>Lefko, p.15</ref> Playing as third on her high school team, she won a provincial championship in Grade 12, when her team went undefeated throughout the season.<ref name="Lefko, p.17">Lefko, p.17</ref>

She continued to curl after graduating from high school, while attending the [[University of Saskatchewan]], making her first appearance in [[Saskatchewan Scotties Tournament of Hearts|Saskatchewan's provincial playdowns]] in 1983.<ref>Lefko, p.19</ref> Schmirler threw fourth stones for a team which consisted of 1979 [[Canadian Junior Curling Championships|Canadian Junior Champions]] [[Denise Wilson (curler)|Denise Wilson]] (skip), [[Dianne Choquette]] and [[Shannon Olafson]]. The team represented the University of Saskatchewan at the [[Saskatoon]] city playdowns<ref name="USask">{{cite news|title=Youthful skips lose gamble|date=January 20, 1983|page=B1|newspaper=Saskatoon Star-Phoenix|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/49680110/star-phoenix/|access-date=April 27, 2020}}</ref> where they were eliminated. After graduating university, Schmirler moved to [[Regina, Saskatchewan|Regina]] to take a job at the North West Leisure Centre. She continued to curl, and was given the nickname "Schmirler the Curler" by a supervisor at the facility.<ref>Lefko, p.24</ref> Schmirler joined the Saskatoon-based [[Carol Davis (curler)|Carol Davis]] rink, playing third for the team. In their first season together, they made it to the 1984 provincial finals where they lost to [[Lori McGeary]].<ref name="Sask Hearts 1984">{{cite news|title=McGeary is champ|date=February 6, 1984|page=B2|newspaper=Regina Leader-Post|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/49838052/the-leader-post/|access-date=April 29, 2020}}</ref>

In 1987, as a member of [[Kathy Fahlman]]'s rink, Schmirler won her first provincial championship,<ref>Lefko, p.25</ref> sending her to her first [[Scott Tournament of Hearts|national championship]], where she and her team finished in fourth place with a 7–5 win–loss record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cdn.curling.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/1987_Scott_Tournament_of_Hearts.pdf?e81271|title=1987 Scott Tournament of Hearts – Statistical Summary|date=January 10, 2006|publisher=[[Canadian Curling Association]]|access-date=October 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120911015046/http://cdn.curling.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/1987_Scott_Tournament_of_Hearts.pdf?e81271|archive-date=September 11, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> The following season, the team lost in the A-B final of the 1988 provincials to [[Michelle Englot|Michelle Schneider]] (now Englot), eliminating them from a chance at a second straight trip to the Hearts.<ref name="Sask Hearts 1988">{{cite news|title=Schneider shatters dreams of returning|date=February 8, 1988|page=B2|newspaper=Regina Leader-Post|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/49678479/the-leader-post/|access-date=April 27, 2020}}</ref> In the 1989 playdowns, Team Fahlman lost in the southern Saskatchewan playdowns, failing to even make it to the 1989 Saskatchewan Scott Tournament of Hearts.<ref name="Southern playdowns 1989">{{cite news|title=Koch watches team come back|date=January 30, 1989|page=D1|newspaper=Regina Leader-Post|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/49678293/the-leader-post/|access-date=April 27, 2020}}</ref>

Prior to the 1988–89 curling season, Schmirler and [[Jan Betker]] found themselves curling with different teammates, attempting to put together a stable squad. After a disappointing season, Schmirler decided to [[skip (curling)|skip]] for the 1990–91 season, with Betker playing third. They recruited [[Joan McCusker|Joan Inglis (McCusker)]] to play second, and McCusker recommended [[Marcia Gudereit]] as a lead.<ref name="libarchcan"/><ref name=regina>{{cite web|url=http://www.regina.ca/residents/heritage-history/historical-biographies/biography-schmirler/|title=Historical Biographies: Schmirler, Sandra|publisher=City of Regina|access-date=October 27, 2012}}</ref> This rink won the provincials in their first year together, defeating [[Kim Hodson|Kim Armbruster]] (Hodson) in the Saskatchewan final, 5–3.<ref>{{cite news|title=Peterson gets to Heart of the matter|date=February 4, 1991|page=9|newspaper=Regina Leader-Post|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/92043743/the-leader-post/|access-date=January 7, 2022}}</ref> At the [[1991 Scott Tournament of Hearts]], the team finished in fourth place.<ref name="nytobit"/><ref>Lefko, pp. 28–29</ref> In 1993, the Schmirler rink again won the provincial title, defeating [[Sherry Middaugh|Sherry Scheirich]] (Middaugh) in the final, 7–2.<ref>{{cite news|title=Peterson crew preparing for another short journey|date=February 8, 1993|page=9|newspaper=Regina Leader-Post|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/92042711/the-leader-post/|access-date=January 7, 2022}}</ref> Representing Saskatchewan at the [[1993 Scott Tournament of Hearts]], her rink defeated [[Maureen Bonar]] in the finals, giving Saskatchewan its first national women's curling championship since [[Marj Mitchell]]'s win in 1980. The rink moved on to the [[1993 World Women's Curling Championship|World Championship]] and defeated [[Janet Clews-Strayer]] from [[Germany]] in the final that year, winning Canada its sixth world women's title.<ref>Lefko, pp. 34–38</ref> The next season, she and her rink competed at the Tournament of Hearts as defending champions. The team finished first in the round robin, and defeated [[Connie Laliberte]] in the final to clinch a second consecutive Canadian championship. She and her team then represented Canada at the [[1994 World Women's Curling Championship|World Women's Curling Championship]], where they finished first in the round robin. She then advanced to the playoffs, and won the semifinal against [[Josefine Einsle]] of Germany and the final against [[Christine Cannon]] of Scotland. With her win in the final, she and her team clinched their second world championships, equalling their run from the previous season. At the time, no other Canadian women's rink had won consecutive world championships.<ref name="libarchcan"/><ref>Lefko, pp. 46–47</ref> Schmirler returned to the [[1995 Scott Tournament of Hearts|Tournament of Hearts]] the next year as the defending champion. She and her team finished with an 8–3 win–loss record and advanced to the playoffs as the second seed. She lost her next two games, however, and failed to advance to the final, losing a chance to win a third consecutive title. The next season, Schmirler added Renelle Bryden to the lineup, as McCusker took the year off.<ref name="McCusker">{{cite news|title=Inglis act tough to follow|date=January 16, 1996|page=B2|newspaper=Regina Leader-Post|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/49677489/the-leader-post/|access-date=April 27, 2020}}</ref> For the 1996 Saskatchewan Tournament of Hearts, Gudereit who had been playing second was replaced for health reasons by [[Karen Daku]]. At the provincial Hearts, the team fell to [[Sherry Scheirich]] (now Middaugh) in the final.<ref name="Sask Hearts 1996">{{cite news|title=Preparation pays off for Scheirich|date=January 29, 1996|page=B3|newspaper=Regina Leader-Post|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/49834182/the-leader-post/|access-date=April 29, 2020}}</ref>

In 1997, Schmirler and her rink returned to the [[1997 Scott Tournament of Hearts|Tournament of Hearts]], where they finished with a 9–2 win–loss record in the round robin. They advanced to the playoffs, and defeated [[Alison Goring]] of Ontario twice en route to winning her third Canadian championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/509041251.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Mar+3%2C+1997&author=&pub=The+Spectator&edition=&startpage=S.3&desc=Ice+queen+of+Hearts%3A+Schmirler+Canadian+champion+third+time|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131164706/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/509041251.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Mar+3,+1997&author=&pub=The+Spectator&edition=&startpage=S.3&desc=Ice+queen+of+Hearts:+Schmirler+Canadian+champion+third+time|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 31, 2013|title=Ice queen of Hearts: Schmirler Canadian champion third time|date=March 3, 1997|work=[[The Hamilton Spectator]]|access-date=November 27, 2012}}</ref> They then went to the World Championships, where they again finished first in the round robin and advanced to the playoffs, defeating [[Helena Blach Lavrsen]] of Denmark in the semifinals<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/508531761.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Apr+19%2C+1997&author=&pub=The+Spectator&edition=&startpage=D.5&desc=A+good+news%2C+bad+news+day%3A+Women+go+for+gold%2C+men+battle+for+bronze+at+World+Curling+Championships|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131220256/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/508531761.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Apr+19,+1997&author=&pub=The+Spectator&edition=&startpage=D.5&desc=A+good+news,+bad+news+day:+Women+go+for+gold,+men+battle+for+bronze+at+World+Curling+Championships|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 31, 2013|title=A good news, bad news day: Women go for gold, men battle for bronze at World Curling Championships|date=April 19, 1997|work=[[The Hamilton Spectator]]|access-date=November 27, 2012}}</ref> and [[Andrea Schöpp]] of Germany in the final to win a third world title.<ref>Lefko, p.57</ref> After each of these three seasons, her rink was named "Team of the Year" by Sask Sport.<ref name="Esask"/><ref name="betkerbio">{{cite web|url=http://reginastars.rbdc.ca/stars.htm |title=Dancing with Regina's Stars: Meet the Stars: Jan Betker |year=2008 |publisher=Regina Ballroom Dancing Club |access-date=June 25, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080415194731/http://reginastars.rbdc.ca/stars.htm |archive-date=April 15, 2008 }}</ref>

[[File:Schmirler97olympictrials.png|thumb|left|Schmirler's in-off for three to win the [[1997 Canadian Olympic Curling Trials]] against [[Shannon Kleibrink]] is one of her most famous shots, both in terms of [[degree of difficulty]] and for the fact that it sent her team to the [[1998 Winter Olympics]].]]

In the [[1998 Winter Olympics]], curling became a medal sport for the first time. [[1997 Canadian Olympic Curling Trials|Olympic trials]] were held in November 1997 to select Canada's representatives at the Olympics. Schmirler qualified for the Trials through a best of three series against [[Connie Laliberte]] held in December 1995.<ref>{{cite news|title=Peterson moves up Olympic ladder|date=December 18, 1995|page=11|newspaper=Regina Leader-Post|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-leader-post/141862655/|access-date=February 22, 2024}}</ref>  At the Trials, the Schmirler rink finished first in the round robin, and defeated [[Shannon Kleibrink]] in the final with a score of 9–6, behind strong shot making from Schmirler and McCusker.<ref>Lefko, pp. 62–65</ref> Schmirler made a difficult in-off to win and clinch the berth to the Olympics. The [[Curling at the 1998 Winter Olympics|1998 Winter Olympics]] were held in [[Nagano (city)|Nagano]], [[Japan]]. The Schmirler rink was among the favourites for gold, but there was a strong field in the event. After finishing the round robin in first place with six wins and one loss,<ref name="libarchcan"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/498479241.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+13%2C+1998&author=&pub=The+Record&edition=&startpage=C.4&desc=Schmirler+clinches+1st+place+with+victory+over+Germany|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131150349/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/498479241.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+13,+1998&author=&pub=The+Record&edition=&startpage=C.4&desc=Schmirler+clinches+1st+place+with+victory+over+Germany|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 31, 2013|title=Schmirler clinches 1st place with victory over Germany|date=February 13, 1998|work=[[Kitchener Record]]|access-date=November 27, 2012}}</ref> Canada played their semifinal game against [[Great Britain]]'s [[Kirsty Hay]]. The game was tied after regulation play and went to an extra end, where Schmirler barely made a draw with her last rock to win the game. In the final against [[Denmark]]'s Helena Blach Lavrsen, Schmirler secured a win in nine ends, winning Canada the gold medal.<ref name="nytobit"/><ref name="libarchcan"/><ref name=regina/><ref>Lefko, pp. 72–77</ref> After winning the gold medal, Sandra appeared on the front page of ''[[The New York Times]]''.<ref>Lefko, p. 77</ref> After the Olympics, the Schmirler rink was named 'Team of the Year' by the [[Canadian Press]]. The team were also inducted into the [[Canadian Curling Hall of Fame]] in 1999.<ref name="nytobit"/><ref name="libarchcan"/><ref name='Esask'/> After returning from the Olympics, Schmirler and her rink had to compete almost immediately in the [[1998 Scott Tournament of Hearts|Scott Tournament of Hearts]] as Team Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/498490991.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+23%2C+1998&author=&pub=The+Record&edition=&startpage=D.10&desc=Schmirler%27s+Team+Canada+continues+winning+ways|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201044148/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/498490991.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+23,+1998&author=&pub=The+Record&edition=&startpage=D.10&desc=Schmirler's+Team+Canada+continues+winning+ways|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 1, 2013|title=Schmirler's Team Canada continues winning ways|date=February 23, 1998|work=[[Kitchener Record]]|access-date=November 27, 2012}}</ref> Schmirler and her team made the playoffs, and won the 3 vs. 4 playoff game before dropping the semifinal to [[Anne Merklinger]]. After losing in the semis, Schmirler joined [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|CBC]] as a colour commentator for the final match.<ref>Lefko, pp. 83–85</ref>

===Teams===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! scope="col"| Season 
! scope="col"| Skip 
! scope="col"| Third 
! scope="col"| Second 
! scope="col"| Lead 
! scope="col"| Events
|-
! scope="row"| 1981–82<ref>{{cite news|title=Curling|date=February 19, 1982|page=C2|newspaper=Saskatoon Star-Phoenix|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/49679718/star-phoenix/|access-date=April 27, 2020}}</ref> 
| Ellen Meschisnick || [[Judy Walker (curler)|Judy Walker]] || Sandra Schmirler || Jodi Bruce || 
|-
! scope="row"| 1982–83<ref name="USask"/> 
| Sandra Schmirler (fourth) || [[Denise Wilson (curler)|Denise Wilson]]  (skip) || [[Dianne Choquette]] || [[Shannon Olafson]] || 
|-
! scope="row"| 1983–84<ref>{{cite news|title=Davis steals classic from Kerr|date=March 12, 1984|page=B3|newspaper=Saskatoon Star-Phoenix|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/49679265/star-phoenix/|access-date=April 27, 2020}}</ref> 
| [[Carol Davis (curler)|Carol Davis]] || Sandra Schmirler || [[Heather MacMillan]] || [[Laurie Secord]] || 1984 [[Saskatchewan Scotties Tournament of Hearts|Sask.]]<ref name="Sask Hearts 1984"/>
|-
! scope="row"| 1984–85<ref>{{cite news|title=McGeary shooting for women's title|date=January 15, 1985|page=C2|newspaper=Saskatoon Star-Phoenix|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/49678933/star-phoenix/|access-date=April 27, 2020}}</ref> 
| Carol Davis || Sandra Schmirler || Heather MacMillan || Laurie Secord || 
|-
! scope="row"| 1985–86<ref>{{cite news|title=Fahlman prepared for teacher|date=January 18, 1986|page=B5|newspaper=Regina Leader-Post|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/49678684/the-leader-post/|access-date=April 27, 2020}}</ref> 
| [[Kathy Fahlman]] || Sandra Schmirler || [[Jan Betker]] || [[Sheila Schneider]] ||
|-
! scope="row"| 1986–87 
| Kathy Fahlman || Sandra Schmirler || Jan Betker || Sheila Schneider || 1987 Sask., [[1987 Scott Tournament of Hearts|STOH]], [[1987 Canadian Olympic Curling Trials|COCT]]
|-
! scope="row"| 1987–88<ref name="Sask Hearts 1988"/> 
| Kathy Fahlman || Sandra Schmirler || Jan Betker || Sheila Schneider || 1988 Sask.
|-
! scope="row"| 1988–89<ref name="Southern playdowns 1989"/> 
| Kathy Fahlman || Sandra Peterson || Jan Betker || [[Joan McCusker|Joan Inglis]]  ||
|-
! scope="row"| 1989–90<ref>{{cite news|title=Regina Women's Playdowns Rosters Callie Night|date=January 12, 1990|page=B6|newspaper=Regina Leader-Post|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/49678101/the-leader-post/|access-date=April 27, 2020}}</ref> 
| [[Susan Lang]] || Sandra Peterson || Jan Betker || [[Gertie Pick]] || 
|-
! scope="row"| 1990–91 
| Sandra Peterson || Jan Betker || Joan Inglis || [[Marcia Gudereit|Marcia Schiml]] || 1991 Sask., [[1991 Scott Tournament of Hearts|STOH]]
|-
! scope="row"| 1991–92<ref>{{cite news|title=Peterson not particular|date=January 27, 1992|page=B3|newspaper=Regina Leader-Post|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/49677754/the-leader-post/|access-date=April 27, 2020}}</ref> 
| Sandra Peterson || Jan Betker || Joan Inglis || Marcia Schiml || 1992 Sask. 
|-
! scope="row"| 1992–93 
| Sandra Peterson || Jan Betker || Joan McCusker || Marcia Schiml || 1993 Sask., [[1993 Scott Tournament of Hearts|STOH]]
|-
! scope="row"| 1993–94 
| Sandra Peterson || Jan Betker || Joan McCusker || Marcia Gudereit || 1994 [[1994 Scott Tournament of Hearts|STOH]]
|-
! scope="row"| 1994–95 
| Sandra Peterson || Jan Betker || Joan McCusker || Marcia Gudereit || 1995 [[1995 Scott Tournament of Hearts|STOH]]
|-
! scope="row"| 1995–96<ref name="McCusker"/> 
| Sandra Peterson || Jan Betker || Marcia Gudereit <br> [[Karen Daku]] || Pamela Bryden || 1996 Sask.<ref name="Sask Hearts 1996"/>
|-
! scope="row"| 1996–97 
| Sandra Schmirler || Jan Betker || Joan McCusker || Marcia Gudereit || [[1997 Saskatchewan Scott Tournament of Hearts|1997 Sask.]], [[1997 Scott Tournament of Hearts|STOH]]
|-
! scope="row"| 1997–98 
| Sandra Schmirler || Jan Betker || Joan McCusker || Marcia Gudereit || 1997 [[1997 Canadian Olympic Curling Trials|COCT]], 1998 [[1998 Scott Tournament of Hearts|STOH]], [[Curling at the 1998 Winter Olympics|OG]]
|-
! scope="row"| 1998–99 
| Sandra Schmirler || Jan Betker || Joan McCusker || Marcia Gudereit || [[1999 Saskatchewan Scott Tournament of Hearts|1999 Sask.]]
|}

===Career statistics===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|-
! scope="col"| Year 
! scope="col"| Team 
! scope="col"| Position 
! scope="col"| Event 
! scope="col"| Finish 
! scope="col"| Record 
! scope="col"| Pct.{{efn|Shot percentage. Round robin only, except for career total.}}
|-
| 1987
| Saskatchewan (Fahlman)
| Third
| [[1987 Scott Tournament of Hearts|STOH]]
| 4th
| 7–5
| 75
|-
| 1987<ref>[http://issuu.com/curling/docs/2009rotr_morningroar_dec9.pdf] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315023335/https://issuu.com/curling/docs/2009rotr_morningroar_dec9.pdf|date=March 15, 2016}}</ref>
| Fahlman
| Third
| [[1987 Canadian Olympic Curling Trials|COCT]]
| 4th
| 4–4
| N/A
|-
| 1991
| Saskatchewan (Peterson)
| Skip
| [[1991 Scott Tournament of Hearts|STOH]]
| 4th
| 8–6
| 71
|-
| 1993
| Saskatchewan (Peterson)
| Skip
| [[1993 Scott Tournament of Hearts|STOH]]
| 1st
| 10–2
| 79
|-
| 1993
| Canada (Peterson)
| Skip
| [[1993 World Women's Curling Championship|WCC]]
| 1st
| 9–2
| N/A
|-
| 1994
| Canada (Peterson)
| Skip
| [[1994 Scott Tournament of Hearts|STOH]]
| 1st
| 11–1
| 80
|-
| 1994
| Canada (Peterson)
| Skip
| [[1994 World Women's Curling Championship|WCC]]
| 1st
| 10–1
| N/A
|-
| 1995
| Canada (Peterson)
| Skip
| [[1995 Scott Tournament of Hearts|STOH]]
| 3rd
| 9–5
| 81
|- 
| 1997
| Saskatchewan (Schmirler)
| Skip
| [[1997 Scott Tournament of Hearts|STOH]]
| 1st
| 11–2
| 80
|-
| 1997
| Canada (Schmirler)
| Skip
| [[1997 World Women's Curling Championship|WCC]]
| 1st
| 10–1
| N/A
|-
| 1997
| Schmirler
| Skip
| [[1997 Canadian Olympic Curling Trials|COCT]]
| 1st
| 8–2
| –
|-
| 1998
| Canada (Schmirler)
| Skip
| [[Curling at the 1998 Winter Olympics|OG]]
| 1st
| 8–1
| 79
|-
| 1998
| Canada (Schmirler)
| Skip
| [[1998 Scott Tournament of Hearts|STOH]]
| 3rd
| 8–5
| 75
|-
! scope="row" colspan="5" | Scott Tournament of Hearts Totals
| 64–26
| 77
|-
! scope="row" colspan="5" | World Championships Totals
| 29–4
| N/A
|}

==Personal life==

===Family and education===
Schmirler was born to parents Shirley and Art Schmirler on June 11, 1963.<ref>{{Team Canada|sandra-schmirler}}</ref> She was born with a [[club foot]], which required her to wear a cast for two months. She had two older sisters, Carol and Beverley.<ref>Lefko, p.8</ref> She attended high school in Biggar, and moved to Saskatoon to attend university. She started out towards a degree in [[computer science]], but transferred after her first year to work for a degree in [[physical education]].<ref name="Lefko, p.17"/> She convocated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1985.<ref>Lefko, p.21</ref>

In 1993, teammate Marcia Gudereit introduced Schmirler to Shannon England. On June 22, 1996, they were married.<ref>Lefko, p. 53</ref> In 1997, Schmirler was pregnant with their first child. When this information was revealed to reporters at the Scott Tournament of Hearts, they jokingly dubbed her "Schmirler the Hurler". On September 15, 1997, their daughter Sara Marion was born.<ref>Lefko, pp. 57–58</ref> In April 1999, Sandra's father Art Schmirler died from [[esophageal cancer]].<ref name=regina/> On June 30, 1999, the couple's second daughter, Jenna Shirley, was born.<ref>Lefko, p. 93</ref>

===Illness and death===
After Jenna's birth, Schmirler experienced many health problems. She had suffered from back pain, which was thought to be pregnancy related, and following Jenna's birth, she began to suffer from stomach pains.<ref name=regina/> Tests showed that a cancerous node the size of a fist had developed behind her heart.<ref name="nytobit"/><ref>Lefko, p. 97</ref> As her condition worsened, she underwent surgery on September 6, 1999. During surgery, a dead piece of the tumour broke off and released a blood clot into her lung. Her heart stopped beating, and only emergency heart massage kept her alive.<ref>Lefko, pp. 94–95</ref> Almost a month after being diagnosed with cancer, doctors finally provided a specific diagnosis – [[adenocarcinoma|metastatic adenocarcinoma]], with an unknown primary site.<ref name=regina/> Because no one could pin down where the cancer came from, Sandra referred to it as "the cancer from Mars."<ref name="Lefko, p.101">Lefko, p. 101</ref> In addition to [[chemotherapy]] and radiation, Schmirler explored [[orthomolecular medicine]] through the Canadian Cancer Research Group. This form of [[alternative medicine]] involves large doses of vitamins and nutrients.<ref name="Lefko, p.101"/>

In 2000, Schmirler worked as colour commentator for CBC during [[Canadian Junior Curling Championships|Canada's national junior curling championships]].<ref name="libarchcan"/><ref>Lefko, p. 110</ref> During her illness, Schmirler had been largely removed from the public eye. While in [[Moncton]] for the championships, Schmirler held a press conference to update her situation. In speaking publicly about her ordeal for the first time, Schmirler spared few details about what she had gone through, while also expressing her hope for the future: "There were three goals I had coming out of this thing, and the first one was to look after my family. And the second one...because I curl so much, I've never taken a hot vacation, so I'm going to put my feet in the sand in a warm place. And the last one was to actually be here today, and I thank CBC, I thank Lawrence (Kimber), and Joan Mead."<ref>Lefko, pp. 113–120</ref>

After returning from Moncton, Schmirler felt physically well, but suffered a setback when a CAT scan revealed spots around her lungs. The decision was made not to proceed with further chemotherapy, but she continued with the orthomolecular therapy.<ref>Lefko, p. 128</ref> She had been scheduled to work the [[2000 Scott Tournament of Hearts]], but was unable to do so. She faxed a statement from the hospital, which was read by [[The Sports Network|TSN's]] [[Vic Rauter]]. "I'm still fighting hard and I still hope to make it to the [[Tim Hortons Brier|Brier]], not playing but talking. For Saskatchewan, I was hoping to be in your green shoes (at the Scott). But keep things in perspective. There are other things in life besides curling, which I have found. But I hope to be on the curling trail again next year. And I'll see you all in Sudbury (the next Scott site) in 2001. Your curling friend, Sandra."<ref>Lefko, p. 133</ref> However, the optimism in her statement belied the seriousness of her condition. She had been moved to [[palliative care]].<ref>Lefko, pp. 133–134</ref> She died in her sleep at the [[Pasqua Hospital]] Palliative Care Unit<ref name="nytobit"/> on the morning of March 2, 2000, at age 36.<ref name=regina/><ref name="CBC1">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan-mourns-sandra-schmirler-1.228850|title=Saskatchewan mourns Sandra Schmirler|date=March 2, 2000|publisher=CBC|access-date=November 9, 2015}}</ref><ref name="nytobit"/><ref name="msn"/>

Her death caused reactions not just within Saskatchewan and the curling community, but also across the country. Canadian Prime Minister [[Jean Chrétien]] said in a statement: <blockquote>All Canadians have been touched by the untimely death of Sandra Schmirler. Most of us came to know her through her exploits as a champion curler and as an exemplary sports ambassador for Canada. But what really set her apart was her bright, engaging personality and her incredible zest for life, qualities that were so clearly in evidence as she fought so valiantly against her illness. She will be sorely missed.<ref name="nytobit"/><ref>Lefko, pp. 141–142</ref></blockquote> In honour of Schmirler, flags at provincial office buildings in Saskatchewan were lowered to half-staff.<ref name="nytobit"/>

TSN offered to broadcast her funeral live and to make the signal available to any other stations at no charge. Her husband, Shannon England, agreed to the broadcast on the condition that the family would not be shown during the service. CBC also broadcast the service, marking the first time a [[Canadians|Canadian]] athlete's funeral had been televised live on two networks.<ref name="msn"/><ref>Lefko, p. 143</ref> The [[Tim Hortons Brier|Brier]] was just getting underway and games in the afternoon draw were delayed<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/426622331.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Mar+4%2C+2000&author=&pub=Toronto+Star&edition=&startpage=1&desc=Brier+draw+pushed+back+for+Schmirler%27s+funeral+%3B+Curlers+and+fans+will+able+to+watch+the+service+on+TV|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130419040215/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/426622331.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Mar+4,+2000&author=&pub=Toronto+Star&edition=&startpage=1&desc=Brier+draw+pushed+back+for+Schmirler's+funeral+;+Curlers+and+fans+will+able+to+watch+the+service+on+TV|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 19, 2013|title=Brier draw pushed back for Schmirler's funeral ; Curlers and fans will be able to watch the service on TV|date=March 4, 2000|work=[[Toronto Star]]|access-date=November 27, 2012}}</ref> to allow curlers and fans to watch the funeral, which was broadcast on screens at the rink.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/family-friends-bid-farewell-to-schmirler-1.219794|title=Family, friends bid farewell to Schmirler|date=March 8, 2000|publisher=[[CBC Sports]]|access-date=November 9, 2015}}</ref> Regina's Agridome and Schmirler's home [[Caledonian Curling Club]] also opened to show the funeral.<ref>Lefko, p. 145</ref> Nine hundred people attended the service at the Regina Funeral Home, thousands watched at satellite locations around the province, and hundreds of thousands watched on television.<ref>Lefko, p. 153</ref> The funeral was conducted by the Rev. Don Wells, and Sandra was eulogized by Brian McCusker, teammate Joan McCusker's husband.<ref>Lefko, p. 149</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Debates of the Senate (Hansard), 2nd Session, 36th Parliament, Volume 138, Issue 36|url=https://sencanada.ca/en/Content/Sen/chamber/362/debates/036db_2000-03-21-e#0.2.W54BJ2.7764TO.HILTRF.C |date=March 21, 2000|publisher=Government of Canada|access-date=July 22, 2008}}</ref>

==Awards and honours==
In addition to the titles captured by her team on the ice, Schmirler has been recognized in several different ways off the ice as well. In 2000, Schmirler was awarded the [[Saskatchewan Order of Merit]], becoming the first posthumous recipient.<ref name = "SOM">{{cite web | title = Eight Citizen's Recognized with Province's Top Honour | url = http://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2000/october/26/eight-citizens-recognized-with-provinces-top-honour | publisher = Government of Saskatchewan | date = October 26, 2000 | access-date = November 9, 2015}}</ref> Along with the other members of her rink, she had been previously awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the [[University of Regina]].<ref name="URCal">{{cite web|url=https://www.uregina.ca/gencal/ugcal/historyGovernment/ugcal_383.shtml|title=University of Regina General Calendar|publisher=University of Regina|access-date=June 25, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605200255/http://www.uregina.ca/gencal/ugcal/historyGovernment/ugcal_383.shtml|archive-date=June 5, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the fall of 2000, Schmirler was inducted into the [[Canadian Sports Hall of Fame]].<ref name="Esask">{{cite web|url=http://esask.uregina.ca/entry/schmirler_sandra_1963-2000.html|title=Schmirler, Sandra (1963–2000)|last=Coneghan|first=Daria|author2=Erin Legg|author3=Holden Stoffel|year=2006|publisher=Canadian Plains Research Center, University of Regina|access-date=June 25, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090209011109/http://esask.uregina.ca/entry/schmirler_sandra_1963-2000.html|archive-date=February 9, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="cshof">{{cite web|title=Canada Sports Hall of Fame – Honoured Members: Profile Sandra Schmirler |url=http://www.sportshall.ca/honoured-members/28312/sandra-schmirler/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115153800/http://www.sportshall.ca/honoured-members/28312/sandra-schmirler/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 15, 2013 |publisher=Canada Sports Hall of Fame |access-date=July 22, 2008 }}</ref> Schmirler and her team were inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame on two separate occasions, once in 1997 for winning three World Curling Championships<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sasksportshalloffame.com/inductees/1993-1994-and-1997-sandra-schmirler-peterson/|title=1993, 1994, and 1997 Sandra Schmirler (Peterson) curling team|publisher=Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame|access-date=October 30, 2012}}</ref> and once in 2001 for winning the gold medal at the Olympics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sasksportshalloffame.com/inductees/1998-sandra-schmirler-curling-team/|title=1998 Sandra Schmirler curling team|publisher=Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame|access-date=October 30, 2012}}</ref> At the annual Scotties Tournament of Hearts, the top player in the playoff round is awarded the [[Sandra Schmirler Most Valuable Player Award]].<ref name=scottiesmvp>{{cite web|title=Sandra Schmirler Most Valuable Player Award |url=http://www.curling.ca/championships/scotties/history-of-the-scotties/sandra-schmirler-most-valuable-player-award/ |publisher=[[Canadian Curling Association]] |access-date=July 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110225035246/http://www.curling.ca/championships/scotties/history-of-the-scotties/sandra-schmirler-most-valuable-player-award/ |archive-date=February 25, 2011 }}</ref>

After her death, the city of Regina honoured Schmirler in several ways. The South East Leisure Centre where she used to work was renamed the "Sandra Schmirler Leisure Centre," and the road leading up to the Callie Curling Club, where her team curled out of, was renamed "Sandra Schmirler Way."<ref name="Esask" /><ref name="CBC2">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/regina-honours-memory-of-schmirler-1.212606|title=Regina honours memory of Schmirler|date=November 10, 2000|publisher=CBC Sports|access-date=November 9, 2015}}</ref> Schmirler's hometown of Biggar also honoured her memory with the construction of "The Sandra Schmirler Olympic Gold Park."<ref name="CBC4">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/schmirler-olympic-gold-park-opens-in-sask-1.200718|title=Schmirler Olympic Gold Park opens in Sask.|date=August 6, 2000|publisher=CBC Sports|access-date=November 9, 2015}}</ref>

“The Sandra Schmirler Foundation was created in May 2001 by a group of Sandra’s friends and teammates. Their vision was to create a living legacy in honour of this amazing woman who touched the hearts of so many Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
While she lost her biggest battle, her legacy lives on. The lives of countless babies born premature and critically ill have been, and continue to be saved, with life-saving equipment the Foundation has funded in her name. 
Millions of dollars have been given to hospital NICUs in every province, the Yukon and Northwest Territories to fund life-saving equipment for babies born too soon, too small or too sick. This list continues to grow every year with the generous support of our many donors.
Sandra reached out to her country in sickness and in health and made us understand what really matters in life. While we mourn her passing, we celebrate the lasting legacy she left behind.” Robin Wilson

On January 7, 2009, Sandra was named the winner of the 2009 World Curling Freytag Award (later incorporated into the [[WCF Hall of Fame]]). The award, named after American [[Elmer Freytag]], who founded the [[World Curling Federation]], honours curlers for championship play, sportsmanship, character and extraordinary achievement. Her husband and daughters accepted the award on her behalf at the [[2009 World Men's Curling Championship]].<ref name=freytagaward>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldcurling.org/world-curling-freytag-award-2009-sandra-schmirler|title=World Curling Freytag Award 2009 – Sandra Schmirler|access-date=October 27, 2012|publisher=[[World Curling Federation]]|archive-date=February 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227030317/http://www.worldcurling.org/world-curling-freytag-award-2009-sandra-schmirler|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
* {{cite book|last=Lefko|first=Perry|title=Sandra Schmirler: The Queen of Curling|year=2000|publisher=Stoddart Publishing Co. Ltd.|isbn=0-7737-3275-6|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/sandraschmirler00perr}}

==External links==
* [http://www.sandraschmirler.org The Sandra Schmirler Foundation]
* {{Sports links}}

{{Footer Olympic Champions Curling Women}}
{{Footer World Curling Champions (women)}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Schmirler, Sandra}}
[[Category:1963 births]]
[[Category:2000 deaths]]
[[Category:Members of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit]]
[[Category:Olympic curlers for Canada]]
[[Category:Olympic gold medalists for Canada]]
[[Category:Curlers from Regina, Saskatchewan]]
[[Category:Curlers at the 1998 Winter Olympics]]
[[Category:World curling champions]]
[[Category:University of Saskatchewan alumni]]
[[Category:Canadian women curlers]]
[[Category:Curling broadcasters]]
[[Category:Deaths from cancer in Saskatchewan]]
[[Category:People from Biggar, Saskatchewan]]
[[Category:Canadian women's curling champions]]
[[Category:Olympic medalists in curling]]
[[Category:Medalists at the 1998 Winter Olympics]]
[[Category:20th-century Canadian sportswomen]]