Canadian NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander secured the prestigious Northern Star Award for the second time, edging out swimmer Summer McIntosh in the race for Canada’s athlete of the year. Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarkable achievements in the NBA included winning multiple awards, clinching the scoring title, and securing his first championship with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He continues to excel this season, leading his team to an impressive record while ranking among the top players in the league. McIntosh, on the other hand, made waves in the swimming world by breaking multiple individual world records and claiming several gold medals at international competitions.
Although McIntosh’s feats were exceptional, Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar performances ultimately earned him the Northern Star Award. The two athletes have been trading the award back and forth for the past three years, showcasing their dominance in their respective sports. Looking ahead, Gilgeous-Alexander remains a strong contender for future awards, given his continued success on the court. However, history shows that winning consecutive Northern Star Awards is rare, with only a select few athletes achieving this milestone.
As for McIntosh, the upcoming year poses challenges as there are no major swimming events on the calendar. Despite this, she remains a top athlete to watch. In the realm of Winter Olympics, athletes like Connor McDavid, Will Dandjinou, Rachel Homan, and Marie-Philip Poulin are emerging as potential candidates for the prestigious Northern Star Award in the future. With Canada expected to excel at the upcoming Winter Olympics, the stage is set for another outstanding year of athletic achievements.
