As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s important that we recognize and celebrate the incredible accomplishments of women who have overcome obstacles and broken barriers in the world of sports. Throughout history, women athletes have showcased extraordinary talent, resilience, and determination, paving the way for future generations. In this blog post, we honour and highlight some of the pioneering Canadian women who have left a mark in the history of sports.

Myrtle Cook McGowan

Myrtle Cook McGowan dominated almost every sport she participated in. At the age of 15, she earned her spot on Canada’s track and field team. In 1928, she went on to compete in the Olympic Games. She had to wait this long as women’s athletics did not appear in the competition until that year.

McGowan became one of the most important athletes in Canadian history. She won multiple Olympic medals and turned Canadian sports into an institution that could foster other women in the world of sports. On June 2nd that year, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, she broke the world record for her 100m sprint, clocking at 12.0 seconds. She went on to win multiple Olympic medals. She was involved in organizing softball and hockey leagues, she formed the Canadian Ladies Athletic Club and became their first athletic director. During World War Two, Cook became the track coach for the Canadian Armed Services team in Montréal.

Not only was McGowan a sportswoman, but she also built a career as a sports reporter. During the Olympics, she provided the Canadian press with updates on Canada’s performance in athletics. Her column titled ’In the Women’s Sport Light,” covered up-and-coming female athletes in different sports.

Her remarkable achievements earned her a place in the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 1949, and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1955. She was known as “Canada’s first lady of sport,” and her legacy as a sportswoman lives on to inspire more and more female athletes.

Clara Hughes

Clara Hughes is the only athlete in history to win multiple medals in the Summer and Winter Olympics. As a cyclist and speed skater, Hughes has won six Olympic medals, including gold in cycling and bronze in speed skating.

Aside from sports, Hughes is passionate about spreading mental health awareness. She uses her platform to encourage others to prioritize their mental health and well-being. In 2010, she became the national spokesperson for the Bell Let’s Talk campaign for mental health in Canada. As part of the campaign, Hughes shared her own struggles with depression in hopes of helping diminish the stigma associated with mental illness and to promote healthy conversations around it.

Catriona Le May Doan

Saskatoon’s Catriona Le May Doan is a speed skating legend, known for her incredible speed on the ice. She won back-to-back gold medals in the 500m event during the 1998 and 2002 Winter Olympics, as well as set multiple world records over time. In the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, she served as the chef de mission. Doan’s dedication and determination have made her a role model for aspiring female athletes nationwide.

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At Uplifter we believe in celebrating all sports and recognizing those who have played a pivotal role in shaping the realm of sports to what it is today. Are you looking to streamline your sports registration processes? Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you. Our team will be happy to assist you.

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Disclaimer: This post was originally published under the name Interpodia Technology Inc. As of January 2025, the company is operating under its new name, Uplifter Inc. All references have been updated to reflect this change.