Biography:
Elaine Tanner-Watt, OC (born February 22, 1951) is a Canadian former competition swimmer, Olympic medallist, and former world record-holder in two events. Nicknamed Mighty Mouse due to her small stature and fierce competitive drive, Tanner had a significant impact on Canadian swimming and is considered one of the top performers in the sport.
Tanner’s rise to prominence began during the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica, where she made history by winning four gold medals and three silvers. She became the first woman to ever win four golds at a Commonwealth Games and the first person to win seven medals in the event. Her outstanding performance earned her the esteemed Lou Marsh Trophy, making her the youngest recipient of the award. She was also recognized as Canada’s top athlete overall in 1966.
The following year, at the 1967 Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Tanner continued to make waves. She won two gold and three silver medals, breaking two world records in the process. Tanner’s achievements solidified her status as a dominant force in international swimming.
Arriving at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City as a heavy favorite, Tanner aimed to secure more Olympic glory. She won three Olympic medals at just 18 years old, including two individual silver medals and one relay bronze. Despite her remarkable success, the media’s focus on her lack of gold medals left Tanner feeling disappointed and contributed to her subsequent struggle with depression.
Following the Olympics, Tanner faced numerous personal challenges. She fell into a deep depression that plagued her for decades and developed a serious eating disorder. Anxiety attacks further compounded her emotional turmoil. In 1980, Tanner’s first marriage ended after nine years, and custody of their two children was awarded to their father in Prince George while she remained in Vancouver. She embarked on a nomadic lifestyle, taking on odd jobs and experiencing a failed second marriage that ended in 1987.
By 1988, Tanner found herself living in her car, unemployed, and contemplating suicide. However, fate intervened when she crossed paths with former lifeguard John Watt. Their meeting sparked a turning point in Tanner’s life. She eventually married Watt in 1993 and settled in White Rock, British Columbia.
Despite the challenges she faced, Tanner persevered and found a renewed sense of purpose. She and Watt established the charity organization Team Underdog, which aims to empower and support individuals facing adversity.
Awards:
– Officer of the Order of Canada (1969)
– Inductee, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame (1971)
– The Elaine Tanner Award, presented to Canada’s top junior female athlete since 1972