Media Advisory – February 4, 2026 – (Vancouver, BC)
Sport BC is pleased to announce that Larissa Franklin has been named the Harry Jerome Comeback Athlete of the Year recipient to be honoured at Sport BC’s Athlete of the Year Awards on March 5, 2026 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.
A 13-year member of Team Canada, Franklin has built one of the most accomplished careers in Canadian softball history. She is an Olympic bronze medalist, having helped Canada capture its first-ever Olympic medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games, a Guinness World Record holder, a Pan American Games gold, silver, and bronze medalist, and a three-time World Championship bronze medalist. Since making her national team debut in 2013, she has been a consistent presence on the international stage and a leader within the national program.
In January 2025, the Maple Ridge native and longtime member of Canada’s national softball team was diagnosed with lymphoma. Franklin underwent chemotherapy treatment from February through April while remaining committed to her return to high performance sport.
Just days before national team tryouts, Franklin received confirmation she was in remission and immediately returned to competition. She earned selection to Team Canada for the 13th consecutive year and made an immediate impact in her first game back on home soil, hitting two home runs.
“Receiving this award feels like my worlds are coming full circle; from my time working with KidSport BC (Sport BC) six years ago to being nominated by Softball BC for this award. During a challenging chapter of my life, it was community that carried me through, and I’m grateful for the chance to celebrate with the people who have each played a meaningful part in my journey,” said Franklin.
Franklin went on to deliver an outstanding 2025 season. She helped Canada win gold at the WBSC Pan Am Championship, earned silver and All Star Team honours at the Canada Cup, represented Canada at The World Games, and was named Softball Canada’s 2025 Athlete of the Year.
The Harry Jerome Comeback Award recognizes an athlete who returns to achieve success after overcoming a significant setback and is named in honour of Canadian sprinting legend Harry Jerome.
Franklin’s achievement will be recognized at the 58th Annual Sport BC Athlete of the Year Awards on March 5, 2026, at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. We thank Sport BC member Softball BC for nominating Larissa for this unique recognition.
Photo Credit: Lathanuel Filliol
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About Sport BC
Sport BC believes in the power of sport and is committed to building stronger communities through positive sport experiences. Our goal is to enhance and support sport participation in British Columbia ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Through our KidSport BC, BC Amateur Sport Fund, and BC Women & Sport along with our services Sport BC Insurance, and Payroll and Group Benefits; Sport BC supports our seventy plus member organizations. Keep up to date @SportBC
Media Contact Athlete of the Year Awards
Allison Mailer Thursday, March 5, 2026
Sport BC, VP Operations Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
[email protected] #SportBC58thAOY
778-839-8576 https://sportbc.com