Catherwood, Ethel National Historic Person
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Address :
722 Bedford Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
2023-03-15
Life Date:
1908 to 1987
Other Name(s):
-
Ethel Catherwood
(Designation Name)
Research Report Number:
2022-09, 2022-09-A
Importance:
Set multiple national and world records between 1926 and 1930, helped to expand the perceived limits of athletic performance for women in sports
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: In front of the Bedford Road Collegiate, 722 Bedford Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
This world-class high jumper helped break down barriers for women in track and field, while facing widespread sexism and unwanted attention as a woman. She set multiple national and world records in high jump and javelin between 1926 and 1930 at a time when women began competing in athletic events internationally. She won the gold medal in the high jump at the 1928 Amsterdam official Olympic Games, the first to allow women to compete in track and field. The brilliant athletic performance of Catherwood and her “Matchless Six” teammates earned Canada four medals and secured the place of women in Olympic track and field.