Sandra Henderson

At Montréal in 1976, gymnast Sandra Henderson had the honour with Stéphane Préfontaine of being the first pair to simultaneously light the Olympic flame. The couple ran together inside the Olympic Stadium before lighting the cauldron as they symbolised youth and unity between the English- and French-speaking communities in Canada. They only learned of their role the day before the Opening Ceremony and had a dress rehearsal at 4 am on the day of The Games. For many years, there were rumors that Henderson and Préfontaine later married, but the rumors were false.

Sandra Henderson was born in Montréal but lived in Toronto for most of her life. She took up gymnastics at the age of four and retired from a competitive career in the sport when she was 24. Academically, she he held qualifications in science, nursing, emergency management, and business. After working as a nurse, Henderson subsequently spent 30 years with a pharmaceutical company, working primarily in health and safety management.