By: Myriam Brenner, Education Co-ordinator

Fanny “Bobbie” Rosenfeld (1904–1969) was one of Canada’s greatest all-around athletes. She excelled in many sports, including basketball, hockey, tennis and track.

Born to Jewish parents in Katrinosalov, Russia, now Dnipro, Ukraine, she was raised in Barrie, Ontario, where she gained the nickname “Bobbie” because of her short, bobbed hair.

At the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics — the first to include women’s track — she won silver in the 100 m and gold in the 4×100 m relay, helping Canada to a world record. She also competed in the 800 m to support a teammate, finishing fifth.

Rosenfeld retired early due to arthritis but stayed involved in sports as a coach, journalist and advocate for women’s athletics. She was named Canada’s Woman Athlete of the Half-Century in 1950. Today, the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award honours the country’s top female athlete each year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf8e4fah0_s&t=53s