Births on April 28

Ethel Catherwood, American-Canadian high jumper and javelin thrower (d. 1987)

Ethel Hannah Catherwood, a name synonymous with pioneering athleticism and a captivating presence, was a remarkable Canadian figure born on April 28, 1908, in Hannah, North Dakota, United States. Though born south of the border, her roots and athletic prowess flourished in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, where she was raised and educated. From a young age, Catherwood showcased an extraordinary talent across a spectrum of sports, excelling notably in baseball, basketball, and track and field athletics – a testament to her versatile and innate physical gifts.

A Rising Star on the Prairies

Catherwood’s athletic potential became undeniably clear early on. In 1926, while still a student at Bedford Road Collegiate in Saskatoon, she made headlines by equalling a Canadian record for the high jump during the Saskatoon city track and field championships. This remarkable feat was merely a prelude to even greater achievements. Later that very year, on Labour Day, she shattered the existing British-held high jump world record, an astonishing accomplishment that firmly placed her on the international athletic map and hinted at the global success that lay just around the corner. Her early career demonstrated not just talent, but also a fierce competitive spirit and an ability to perform under pressure, setting the stage for her legendary Olympic appearance.

The Historic 1928 Amsterdam Olympics

The year 1928 marked a watershed moment in the history of women's sports, as the Summer Olympics in Amsterdam became the first to allow female competitors in athletics. Ethel Catherwood was at the forefront of this groundbreaking change, becoming a distinguished member of the "Matchless Six" – a group of six trailblazing Canadian women who defied prevailing societal norms to compete on the world stage. It was in Amsterdam that Catherwood etched her name into Olympic history, securing a gold medal in the high jump event with a clearance of 1.59 metres (equivalent to 5.2 feet). This victory was not just a personal triumph; it represented the world's first-ever gold medal awarded to a female high jumper, a monumental achievement that underscored her exceptional skill and cemented her legacy as a pioneer. To this day, she holds the unique distinction of being the only Canadian female athlete to have won an individual gold medal in an Olympic track and field event.

Beyond her athletic prowess, Catherwood captivated the public and media alike during the Amsterdam Games. There was considerable focus on her striking physical attributes, earning her the affectionate moniker "Saskatoon Lily" from admirers back home. A correspondent for The New York Times further amplified this attention, dubbing her the "prettiest girl athlete" at the 1928 Olympics. While her beauty undoubtedly drew headlines, it's crucial to remember that her extraordinary talent and historic gold medal were the true measure of her impact, proving she was much more than just a captivating presence.

Beyond the Podium and Into a New Chapter

While the high jump remained her signature event, Ethel Catherwood was a multi-faceted athlete who also held national titles in the javelin throw. However, the javelin only became an Olympic event in 1932, a year after she had officially retired from competitive athletics. Following her triumphant return from the 1928 Olympics, Catherwood was met with the allure of Hollywood, receiving an offer for a movie contract. Yet, she famously declined this path, choosing instead to pursue a business course, embrace married life, and relocate to California, a decision that further highlighted her independent spirit and desire for a life beyond the intense glare of the public spotlight.

A Life of Public Scrutiny and Private Resolve

Ethel Catherwood’s life post-Olympics often took an enigmatic turn. Having been celebrated as the beauty of the Games, she found herself surrounded by public interest and, at times, scandal. Her swift, private marriage to James McLaren and equally speedy Reno divorce, followed by a later marriage to Byron Mitchell (which concluded in divorce in 1960), kept the press relentlessly following her every move. Despite this intense scrutiny, Catherwood maintained a remarkable resolve, famously refusing to give interviews, perhaps in an effort to reclaim a sense of privacy. Intriguingly, she even considered trying out for the U.S. Olympic team in 1932, a thought that adds another layer to her complex story before she ultimately passed away in California on September 26, 1987.

Enduring Recognition and Cultural Legacy

Despite her desire for a private life, Ethel Catherwood’s pioneering athletic achievements have been consistently recognized and celebrated. She was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 1955, followed by the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 1966, and the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame in 1986. Her compelling story has also found a place in contemporary culture; Catherwood is the subject of a short graphic biography (a comic book-style narrative) by David Collier, titled "The Ethel Catherwood Story," which was collected in An Anthology of Graphic Fiction, Cartoons, and True Stories, edited by Ivan Brunetti in 2006. This modern tribute ensures that her remarkable journey, from prairie prodigy to Olympic legend and enigmatic figure, continues to inspire and resonate with new generations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ethel Catherwood

Who was Ethel Catherwood?

Ethel Catherwood was a Canadian athlete, born in the United States but raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, who became an Olympic gold medalist in the high jump at the 1928 Summer Olympics.

What was her most significant athletic achievement?

Her most significant achievement was winning the gold medal in the high jump at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, clearing 1.59 metres (5.2 ft). This was the first-ever gold medal awarded to a female high jumper in Olympic history.

What was the "Matchless Six"?

The "Matchless Six" was a group of six pioneering Canadian women athletes who competed at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, which was the first Olympic Games to allow female competitors in track and field events.

Why was she nicknamed "Saskatoon Lily"?

She earned the nickname "Saskatoon Lily" due to the considerable media focus on her physical attributes and beauty during the 1928 Olympics, alongside her athletic prowess, and her origins in Saskatoon.

Did she ever pursue a career in film?

No, despite being offered a movie contract upon her return from the 1928 Olympics, Ethel Catherwood declined the offer, choosing instead to take a business course and move to California.

What made her life "enigmatic" after the Olympics?

Her life was considered enigmatic due to intense public and media scrutiny following her Olympic fame, her secret marriage and quick divorce, a subsequent marriage and divorce, and her consistent refusal to give interviews, which shielded her private life from the public eye.

What is her lasting legacy in Canadian sports?

Ethel Catherwood's lasting legacy is as a trailblazing Olympic gold medalist, being the first female high jump gold medalist in Olympic history and the only Canadian female athlete to win an individual gold medal in an Olympic track and field event. She is recognized in multiple Sports Halls of Fame in Canada.