Eight Bells: 1996 Olympian in Sailing Dr. Paul Hannam
August 3, 2022
It is with great sadness that Sail Canada shares with the Canadian sailing community the passing of Olympian sailor Dr. Paul Hannam in July. He was 50 years of age.
Dr. Paul Hannam represented Canada in the Men’s 470 (Two-Person Dinghy) class at the 1996 Olympic Games, where he finished in 20th place with Brian Storey. He was also Chief of Emergency Medicine and Program Medical Director at North York General Hospital, and well-known across the country.
A marathon runner, the Vancouver, B.C., native reportedly collapsed while running with a friend.
“On behalf of Sail Canada and sailors across the country, I would like to express our sincere condolences to Paul’s family and friends,” said Chair of Sail Canada’s Board of Directors Hugh McGugan. “As a Canadian Olympian sailing in the men’s 470 class at the 1996 Atlanta Games, Paul achieved what most sailors can only imagine. Paul’s sudden passing is a reminder to us all to live our lives to the fullest and to reach for our dreams both on and off the water.”
Dr. Paul Hannam’s official obituary, as well as details regarding funeral arrangements, will be communicated as soon as they become available.
