Tribute to Donald Farley - 1998 & 2002 Olympian
November 21, 2016
On behalf of the entire Nordic community, Cross Country Ski de Fond Canada would like to extend its deepest condolences to Donald Farley’s family, friends and numerous associates within our ski community following his unexpected passing this weekend. Donald was an 11-year member of the National Ski Team between 1992 and 2002.
Donald Farley, 2002 Winter Olympic Games (File photo)
Donald stands out among NST athletes for his vigorous work ethic, his tremendous passion for our sport and his signature greeting with a powerful gripping handshake and broad grin. His ski career with the NST started as a junior. After an impressive result at the World Junior Championships in 1992, Donald was identified as an up and coming talent and was nominated directly to the NST Senior Team where he became one of the leading men on the NST for the next decade.
Performance highlights from his career include:
- 2 X Olympian – Nagano 1998 and Salt Lake City 2002
- 5 x World Championships: 93 Falun, 95 Thunder Bay, 97 Trondheim, 99 Ramsau, 2001 Lahti
- One of the most decorated skiers of all time at Canadian National Championships: 23 gold, 10 silver, 2 bronze
Notable results:
- 19th 2001 World Cup Soldier Hollow, USA – 15K cl
- 27th 1999 World Championships, Ramsau, Austria – 10K cl (17 FIS points)
- 29th 1993 World Championships, Falun, Sweden – 10K cl
- 15th World Junior Championships 1990 – 10K - Les Saises, France – top Canadian male
- 26th World Junior Championships 1989 – 30K – Vang, Norway
- 1995-97 Canadian National Championship – aggregate winner
Donald’s work ethic crossed over into his university studies. As a full time NST athlete, Donald achieved a degree in Science at the University of Waterloo. He went on to pursue a career in investment management. Donald pursued sport for life - he never stopped enjoying the thrill of training.
Some quotes from his NST peers and coach:
My best memories of Donald was working as a team going into the 1997 World Champs in Trondheim with him. He was at a high level as a teammate that season as we were trying to qualify for the 1998 Nagano Olympics. He came through leading the relay there after 5km and still tagged off to me in touch with the lead in 6th. It was an amazing race for the team and he was the pure leader that season.
And yes, he was a crazy hard worker and every workout was like it was the Olympic 10km classic, which Don considered the toughest race.
- Robin McKeever
A quote from Donald that I always remember, he once told me: “I have to train hard. If I don't train hard I have no chance to be good. If I train hard I have the chance to be good” Something for all athletes and coaches to digest.
- Dave Wood
I had the pleasure of being roommates with Donald for two years here in Canmore. Donald was an extremely hard worker, he had a passion for excellence and he put his everything into being the best. I often wonder how far many of his top results would have taken him in a cleaner era.
- Eric de Nys
Work ethic is certainly a key characteristic Donald had, but he was also very passionate and intense. Donald kept himself completely free to pursue his passion for sport. He certainly died doing what he loved most. I can imagine him riding hard by himself in the woods Saturday morning, just for the thrill, still at 46 years old.
- Stéphane Barrette
I know Donald stirred the pot a lot but if you go past the politics, he was a skier that a lot of people looked up to in the early 2000's. One of those kids was me and I am shocked and saddened to see him pass away at 46.
- George Grey
Donald Farley at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games (File photo)