Ethel Catherwood

Who was Ethel Catherwood?

Ethel Mary Catherwood was a Canadian athlete.

Born in Hannah, North Dakota, USA, Ethel Catherwood was raised and educated in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, she excelled at athletics, including baseball, basketball and track and field. In 1926 she equaled a Canadian record for high jump at the Saskatoon city track and field championships. On Labour Day of the same year, she broke the British held high jump world record. In 1928, she became a member of the Matchless Six, a group of 7 Canadian women who competed at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, the first Olympics to allow female competitors in athletics. Catherwood took home a gold medal in high jump, clearing 1.59 metres. There was considerable focus on her physical attributes during the Games earning her the nickname "Saskatoon Lily". As well, a New York Times correspondent dubbed her the "prettiest girl athlete" at the 1928 Olympics. However, much more than a pretty face Ethel Catherwood took home the world's first ever gold medal awarded to a female high jumper and holds the title as the only Canadian female athlete to have won an individual gold medal in an Olympic track and field event.

Upon her return to Canada, she was offered a movie contract, but declined the offer. She took a business course, was married, and moved to California.