Spencer O'Brien

Born in Alert Bay, B.C., Spencer O’Brien is a proud member of the Haida and Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations. Raised by her mother Dixie – a strong, creative, and outspoken woman – Spencer was taught to lead with strength, authenticity, and heart. She picked up snowboarding at age 11 and turned pro just five years later, becoming one of the most progressive riders in the sport and earning five X Games medals. In 2013, just months before the Sochi Olympics, she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis after struggling with painful joint inflammation. Undeterred, she returned to competition and fulfilled a lifelong dream by winning X Games gold in slopestyle in 2016.

A 13-year veteran of the Canadian National Team, Spencer has used her platform to lead on and off the slopes. She’s a founding ambassador of Nike’s N7 Fund, supporting Indigenous youth sport in Canada, and works closely with the First Nations Snowboard Team, donating gear and giving talks in schools. She’s also involved with the Women’s Sports Foundation and ACE (Alliance for Climate Education), combining her passions for sport, equity, and the environment. Whether pushing the boundaries of women’s snowboarding or giving back to her community, Spencer leads with purpose – and when her heart is in it, she always finds a way.