Born: August 20, 1957
Died: May 19, 2016
Biography:
Cynthia Maria Cindy Nicholas, CM (August 20, 1957 – May 19, 2016) was a long distance swimmer and a politician in Ontario, Canada. She became a trailblazer in the world of swimming, pushing boundaries and breaking records throughout her career. Her achievements in the water were matched by her commitment to public service, making her a truly remarkable figure in Canadian history.
Born on August 20, 1957, Cindy Nicholas grew up with a passion for swimming. She attended the University of Toronto and later the University of Windsor, where she honed her skills in the pool. After completing her education, she embarked on a career as a lawyer in Scarborough, Ontario.
Nicholas made her first significant mark in the swimming world at the age of 16. In 1974, she made headlines by swimming across Lake Ontario, completing the daunting challenge in an impressive 15 hours and 10 minutes. This achievement propelled her to provincial fame and marked the beginning of her remarkable career in long distance swimming.
The following year, in 1975, Nicholas set her sights on an even greater challenge – the English Channel. On her first attempt, she successfully crossed the treacherous waterway, becoming the first Canadian woman to accomplish this feat. But that was only the beginning. Nicholas went on to cross the English Channel 19 times in her career, a record in itself.
Her most astounding achievement came in 1977 when she became the first woman to complete a two-way crossing of the English Channel. This incredible feat solidified her status as a pioneer in the sport and earned her the nickname Queen of the Channel. Nicholas completed a total of five two-way crossings, including two in one year, leaving an indelible mark on the history of long distance swimming.
Not only did Nicholas dominate the world of swimming, but she also earned recognition for her athletic prowess. In 1977, she was named the top female athlete of the year and received the prestigious Bobbie Rosenfeld Award. In 1979, she was honored further with an appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada, recognizing her contributions to the sport and inspiring future generations of athletes.
In 1993, Nicholas’s remarkable career was acknowledged once again as she was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. Then, in 2005, she achieved international recognition when she was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. These accolades served as testament to her dedication, determination, and undeniable talent in the world of swimming.
However, Nicholas’s impact extended beyond the swimming pool. In 1987, she decided to enter the world of politics and ran as a Liberal candidate in the Ontario provincial election. She successfully won the seat to represent the east Toronto riding of Scarborough Centre, becoming a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Nicholas served as a backbench supporter of David Peterson’s government and was appointed as the parliamentary assistant to the Solicitor General from 1989 to 1990.
Nicholas’s political career unfortunately came to an end in 1990 when the Liberal party was defeated by the New Democratic Party in the provincial election. She lost her seat to NDP candidate Steve Owens, leading her to return to her legal practice in the Toronto district of Scarborough.
Cindy Nicholas was an extraordinary individual who achieved greatness both in and out of the water. Her groundbreaking accomplishments as a long distance swimmer and her dedication to public service will forever be remembered. Even after her passing on May 19, 2016, her legacy continues to inspire and motivate athletes and women across Canada.
Awards:
– Bobbie Rosenfeld Award for top female athlete of the year (1977)
– Member of the Order of Canada (1979)
– Inductee into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame (1993)
– Inductee into the International Swimming Hall of Fame (2005)
– Inductee into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame (2003)