Canadian figure skating legends Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir have been appointed to the Order of Canada.
The London and Ilderton natives were among 114 Canadians named Friday by Governor General Julie Payette to receive what is one of the country's highest honours. The Order of Canada, which was created in 1967, recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation.
Virtue and Moir are receiving the honour for their "unparalleled excellence in ice dancing and for inspiring the next generation of Canadian figure skaters."
The duo are the most decorated ice dancers in Olympic history. They won gold at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, a pair of silver medals at the 2014 games, and captured two more golds at the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang. The pair retired from competition in 2018 and received honorary degrees from Western University a year later.
Also named to the Order of Canada this year was London native Lara St. John. The world-renowned violinist, who now resides in New York, is being honoured for "pushing the boundaries of classical interpretation as a solo violinist and for supporting diversity in the arts."
Virtue, Moir, and St. John will formally accept their insignia at a ceremony to be held at a future date.
