"The Saskatoon Lily" A Biography of Ethel Catherwood
Date
1986
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ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this thesis was to document the life and athletic achievements of Ethel Catherwood and to acquaint readers with the social-historical background and personality of one of the pioneers in Canadian women's sport. Information was gathered through interviews and correspondence with her sister and with former friends, teammates and school mates. Written materials, especially newspapers, from libraries, archives and personal collections, historical records of various organizations, and published materials in the history of Canadian sport were important sources. A chronological format was used in the presentation of the material, incorporating a topical arrangement to discuss contextual information and simultaneous events. Ethel Catherwood was the first Canadian woman to win an individual Olympic gold medal. Within three years her natural athletic ability, practice and coaching led her from the obscurity of the Canadian prairies to the ranks of an international Olympic champion. She established two world best performances and her Canadian high jump record lasted almost three decades. Her remarkable beauty and flawless jumping style captivated a generation and she became widely known as the "Saskatoon Lily". Her achievement remains as the sole Canadian gold medal performance by a woman in Olympic track and field competition. Ethel Catherwood is a true pioneer in women's international athletics and an outstanding figure in the annals of Canadian sport history.
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Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department
Kinesiology
Program
Phys Ed