Born: April 28, 1908 (Hannah, North Dakota, United States).
Biography:
Ethel Hannah Catherwood was a Canadian athlete who made her mark in the field of track and field athletics. Born on April 28, 1908, in Hannah, North Dakota, United States, Ethel was raised and educated in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. From a young age, she displayed exceptional athleticism and excelled in various sports such as baseball, basketball, and track and field.
In 1926, as a student at Bedford Road Collegiate, Ethel showcased her talent by equaling a Canadian record for high jump at the Saskatoon city track and field championships. This achievement caught the attention of sports enthusiasts and paved the way for her future success. Later that same year, on Labor Day, Ethel broke the British-held high jump world record, setting a new milestone in her sporting career.
Ethel’s biggest accomplishment came in 1928 when she became a member of the Matchless Six, a group of six Canadian women who competed at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam. This was a historic moment, as it was the first Olympics to allow female competitors in athletics. Ethel’s exceptional skills and determination led her to win a gold medal in the high jump event, clearing an impressive height of 1.59 meters (5.2 feet). Her victory made her the world’s first-ever female high jump gold medalist and the only Canadian female athlete to have won an individual gold medal in an Olympic track and field event.
During the 1928 Olympics, Ethel not only gained recognition for her athletic abilities but also captivated the public’s attention with her physical attributes. She earned the affectionate nickname Saskatoon Lily and was repeatedly referred to as the prettiest girl athlete by New York Times correspondents. However, Ethel’s achievements extended far beyond her beauty. Her dedication and perseverance in her sport brought her groundbreaking success and made her a trailblazer for women in athletics.
In addition to her high jump prowess, Ethel also held national titles in javelin throw. However, this event was not included in the Olympics until 1932, and Ethel retired from competitive sports a year earlier. After her triumphant return from the 1928 Olympics, Ethel received a lucrative offer for a movie contract but declined, instead choosing to pursue a business course. She eventually got married and moved to California, leaving behind her athletic career.
In recognition of her outstanding achievements and contributions to the world of sports, Ethel Catherwood received several prestigious awards. In 1955, she was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, cementing her place in Canadian athletic history. She was also honored by the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 1966 and the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame in 1986.
Ethel Catherwood’s life was not without its fair share of controversy and challenges. After the Olympics, where she was celebrated as the beauty of the games, she became embroiled in scandal. Her secret marriage to and quick divorce from James McLaren, followed by her subsequent marriage to Byron Mitchell (which ended in divorce in 1960), drew considerable media attention and scrutiny. Throughout it all, Ethel maintained her privacy and refused to give interviews.
Despite her tumultuous personal life, Ethel remained an enduring figure in sports history. She even contemplated trying out for the US Olympic team in 1932, displaying her unwavering determination and love for athletics. Ethel Catherwood’s life and accomplishments continue to inspire and remind us of the groundbreaking female athletes who have paved the way for future generations.
Awards:
– Gold Medal, High Jump – 1928 Summer Olympics
– Induction into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame – 1955
– Induction into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame – 1966
– Induction into the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame – 1986