50th Anniversary of Cori-Jo and Bill Petrunik's Gold Medal at Jeux Canada Games

Fifty years ago today, on the final day of competition at the 1975 Jeux Canada Games, Lethbridge’s Cori-Jo and Bill Petrunik won the gold medal in pairs figure skating. Their victory was one of the standout moments of the Games, coming just before the Lethbridge Native Sons’ championship win in hockey and the Game's closing ceremonies.

Competing in front of more than 7,500 spectators, Cori-Jo and Bill weren’t the favourites to win, but they took to the ice with confidence and delivered a strong, 'clean' performance. For Cori-Jo, the experience was transformative. At 12 years old, and being newer to pairs skating, she recalls the event as a turning point that fueled her passion for competition. Bill, already an accomplished singles skater, provided steady support, helping his sister stay calm under the bright lights of the packed arena.

Beyond the competition, the Games provided unforgettable moments. Cori-Jo had the honour of lighting the torch during the opening ceremony, an experience made even more nerve-wracking when Cori-Jo was hoping she wouldn't trip on the wooden floorboards covering the ice. She fondly remembers the excitement of receiving her yellow team jacket and the camaraderie of staying in the athletes' village. Their gold-medal performance was made even more special by the electric atmosphere in the arena, where they felt the entire crowd was rooting for them.

The Canada Games had a lasting impact on both Cori-Jo and Bill. Their time in competitive figure skating led to opportunities to travel across Canada, the U.S., and Europe, where they made lifelong friendships. Their experiences in sport also helped shape their careers. Cori-Jo went on to coach figure skating before becoming a teacher at Victoria Park High School, where she typically includes skating as a unit in her “Active Lifestyles” class. Bill pursued a business career in Manhattan, leading a large team of employees. Cori-Jo and Bill also credit their parents, Bill and Jackie, for their dedication, making incredible sacrifices to support their journey, both financially and emotionally, alongside their siblings who cheered them on at every competition.

Today, Cori-Jo lives in Raymond with her husband Ryan. Her three daughters all learned to skate at a young age, though they found their passion in basketball. Bill lives in Brooklyn with his wife Joanne, and they are retired and planning to move to New Jersey to be closer to their sons and their families.

The Petruniks’ legacy in Lethbridge sport was affirmed when they were inducted into the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame in 1988. Their story remains an inspiring chapter in the history of the Canada Winter Games and a proud moment for the Lethbridge community.