A lifelong sailor, Gordon Norton represented Canada in the Dragon Class sailing tournament at the 1960 Summer Olympics, where he placed fifth alongside Sandy MacDonald and Lynn Watters in the Argo II. This was his most signfiicant international appearance, although he continued to compete in yacht racing in Canada and abroad for many years thereafter and was also selected as an alternate for the 1968 Games, although he did not actually compete. Additionally, he served as Commodore of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club from 1975 through 1976. By career he was an engineer, having received his degree from the University of Toronto.