The first Canadian woman to run 800 metres in under two minutes, she represented Canada internationally for 17 years, notably as a five-time Olympian and Olympic silver medallist. She then translated her experience as a competitor to the highest levels of sport leadership, serving on the Canadian Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee, where she was instrumental in developing its code of ethics. She also supports many charities, including the Canucks Autism Network, Big Sisters of B.C. Lower Mainland, and the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation.