1. Early Life and Athletic Beginnings
Ethel Catherwood's early life was marked by her athletic aptitude, which became evident during her childhood and education in Saskatchewan.
1.1. Birth, Childhood, and Education
Ethel Mary Catherwood was born on April 28, 1908, in Hannah, North Dakota, United States. Her family later moved to Canada, where she was raised and educated in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Before settling in Saskatoon, her family had resided in Haldimand County, Ontario. Catherwood quickly distinguished herself through exceptional athletic talent across various sports, including baseball, basketball, and track and field athletics. She attended Bedford Road Collegiate in Saskatoon.
1.2. Early Athletic Activities and Records
Catherwood's natural athleticism allowed her to excel from an early age. In 1926, while still a student, she equalled a Canadian record for the high jump at the Saskatoon city track and field championships. On Labour Day of the same year, she further demonstrated her extraordinary skill by breaking the British-held world record in the high jump, clearing 5.2 ft (1.58 m). Beyond the high jump, Catherwood also held national titles in the javelin throw. Her personal bests included a high jump of 5.2 ft (1.6 m) achieved in 1928, and a javelin throw of 119 ft (36.17 m) in 1927. Standing at 5.8 ft (1.78 m) tall and weighing 128 lb (58 kg), she possessed a physique well-suited for her athletic pursuits. Her sister, Generva, affectionately known as Ginger, was also an athlete, notably an ice hockey player for the University of Saskatchewan. Ginger served as Ethel's chaperone when they lived together in Toronto while Ethel was training for the 1928 Olympic Games.
2. Olympic Career
Ethel Catherwood's participation in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics marked a pivotal moment in sports history, bringing her international acclaim and setting new benchmarks for women in athletics.
2.1. 1928 Amsterdam Olympics
The 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam held particular significance as they were the first Olympic Games to allow female competitors in track and field athletics. Ethel Catherwood was among the pioneering group of Canadian women who participated, being one of the "Matchless Six" and one of seven Canadian female athletes at the event. Her performance in the high jump was exceptional, as she cleared 5.2 ft (1.59 m) to win the gold medal. This victory was historic, making her the world's first ever gold medalist in women's high jump. For 96 years, Catherwood remained the only Canadian female athlete to have won an individual gold medal in an Olympic track and field event, a distinction she held until Camryn Rogers' victory in the hammer throw at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
2.2. Media Attention and Public Image
During the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, Ethel Catherwood garnered significant media attention, not only for her extraordinary athletic abilities but also for her physical appearance. She was affectionately nicknamed the "Saskatoon Lily," reflecting her origins and perceived beauty. A correspondent for The New York Times famously dubbed her the "prettiest girl athlete" at the Games. While her appearance attracted considerable focus, Catherwood's primary legacy remains her groundbreaking athletic achievements, as she proved herself to be a formidable champion whose talent transcended mere beauty.
3. Life After the Olympics
Following her Olympic triumph, Ethel Catherwood transitioned from competitive sports to a more private life, facing various personal and professional changes.
3.1. Retirement from Competition
Ethel Catherwood retired from competitive sports relatively early in her career. Although she had also held national titles in the javelin throw, this event only became an Olympic discipline in 1932. She retired from competitions approximately a year before the 1932 Games, which meant she did not compete in her other strong event at the Olympic level. Despite her retirement from Canadian competition, Catherwood even considered attempting to qualify for the United States Olympic team for the 1932 Games.
3.2. Personal Life and Challenges
Catherwood's life after the Olympics became somewhat enigmatic and was often scrutinized by the press. Despite being feted as the "beauty of the Games," her personal life was surrounded by scandal. She entered into a secret marriage with James McLaren, followed by a swift divorce in Reno, Nevada. Later, she married Byron Mitchell, a union that also ended in divorce in 1960. The media closely followed her personal developments, contributing to a sense of public scrutiny that she actively resisted. Catherwood became known for refusing to give interviews, preferring a reclusive lifestyle that ultimately led to her living and dying in privacy.
3.3. Post-Athletic Career and Relocation
Upon her return to Canada after the 1928 Olympics, Ethel Catherwood was offered a movie contract, which she famously declined. Instead, she pursued a business course, indicating a desire for a different path. After her athletic career, she married and eventually relocated to California, where she spent the remainder of her life in the United States.
4. Death
Ethel Catherwood passed away on September 26, 1987, in Grass Valley, California, at the age of 79.
5. Legacy and Honors
Ethel Catherwood's athletic achievements and pioneering spirit left a lasting impact, leading to numerous posthumous honors and recognitions.
5.1. Sports Hall of Fame Inductions
Catherwood's significant contributions to Canadian sports were widely recognized through her induction into several prestigious sports halls of fame. She was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 1955, solidifying her place among the nation's greatest athletes. This honor was particularly notable at the time, as she was the only Canadian female athlete to have won an individual gold medal in an Olympic track and field event. Later, she was also inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 1966 and the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame in 1986, further acknowledging her profound impact within her home province and city.
5.2. National Recognition and Commemorations
Beyond her hall of fame inductions, Ethel Catherwood has received national recognition for her historic achievements. In 2022, the Canadian government officially declared Catherwood a Person of National Historic Significance, a testament to her enduring legacy and her role in Canadian history. Her story has also been commemorated in popular culture; she is the subject of a short graphic (comic) biography by David Collier titled "The Ethel Catherwood Story," which was included in An Anthology of Graphic Fiction, Cartoons, and True Stories.