Mark Jensen

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameMark Richard•Jensen
Used nameMark•Jensen
Born12 October 1960 in Toronto, Ontario (CAN)
Died1 February 2021
NOC Canada

Biography

Mark Jensen started sliding on the luge tracks at Centennial Park in Etobicoke, Ontario. He was the youngest member of Canada’s luge team that went to Sweden in 1978, where he trained and competed on the difficult natural ice courses, finishing 18th at the 1978 European Championships in men’s singles. He made his World Championship debut at Königssee, West Germany, in 1979 where he finished 26th in singles and 13th in doubles (also 33rd in men’s singles in 1981). Representing Canada, Jensen finished 17th in men’s singles at the 1980 Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid (he had a top finish of 13th in his third run of four).

Born to his parents Kai and Peggy, Jensen had one sister (Caroline), and he was married to Sue (née Clouse), and had two sons (Eric and Brent). A professional geoscientist, Jensen had many passions beyond the luge track that kept him busy in his life after sport. His love of the outdoors took him rock climbing to places like Yosemite and Wales, while his love of flying earned him a pilot’s licence. Jensen was also an avid sailor with the Etobicoke Yacht Club, and he sailed for eight years on Lake Ontario in his Catalina 34. Jensen passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 60.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1980 Winter Olympics Luge CAN Mark Jensen
Singles, Men (Olympic) 17