Beth Whittall had an impressive career. At the age 17 she won a silver at the 1954 British Commonwealth Games as a member of the 4 x 100 yd freestyle relay. Whittall’s accomplishments also included taking gold at the 1955 Pan American Championships in Mexico in both the 100 butterfly and 400 freestyle as well as two silver in the 4 x 100 freestyle and medley relays.
Whittall won the prestigious Lou Marsh Award given out each year to the most outstanding Canadian amateur athlete.
Whittall also represented Canada at the 1956 Olympics. She retired from the sport after the games at the age of 19.
At the age of 49 she returned to the pool winning the Canadian Masters Championships in the 200 freestyle, setting a new national record in the process.
For these accomplishments she will be inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame on June 17th in a ceremony in Calgary. Unfortunately only a few days after being notified of this honour, on May 1st Whittall passed away at the age of 78.
“Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is deeply saddened by the death of Beth Whittall a legendary Canadian swimmer,” said Mario Siciliano, President and CEO of the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame.
“Our sympathy goes out to all of her family at this difficult time”
“Beth’s posthumous induction will proceed as planned so that her tremendous contribution to her sport and country will be shared with future generations of Canadians.”
How wonderful that Ms Whittall found out that she would be receiving this honor and would go down in the history of Canadian sports before her death! I’m sure that thought made her happy in her final days.