Fanny “Bobbie” RosenfeldCanada’s best all-round athlete

By: Aaron Cheung

Fanny Rosenfeld was born on December 28th 1903 in Katrinaslov Russia. She immigrated to Canada when she was a baby, and nick-named “Bobbie” because of her bobbed hairstyle. Rosenfeld was gifted with the talent of athletics, and went onto win many medals. She retired from all athletics in 1933 due to severe arthritis. She died In 1969.

Accomplishments

1923 Beat Canadian 100m Champion Rosa Grosse at a picnic race.1923 Won Softball City Championships.1923 Runner up for Ontario Hockey Finals. Named Outstanding player of the

game.1923 Tied 100m World Record at 11s.1924 Toronto Singles Grass Court Champion.1925 Ranked 1st in 100m, 220 yards, running long jump, shot-put and discus.1928 Olympic Silver Medal 100m (Controversial) Also Canada’s first track and

field medal.1928 Olympic Gold Medal 4x100 Relay race with a new World Record at

48.4s.1928 Olympic 5th Place 800m (Never had any experience with this race)1949 Inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall Of Fame.1950 Named Canada’s Female Athlete of the half decade.

Why is Fanny “Bobbie” Rosenfeld the greatest Canadian?

She represented Canada and won several medals and awards at the international level, beating the best and holding many world records. She competed in many different sports and succeeded in all of them. She gave the nation of Canada pride and joy with her success.

Fanny Rosenfeld has an amazing personality. When reporters asked of her victory at the Toronto Singles Grass Court Tennis Championships in 1924, she simply replied that it was an accident, and was just pure luck that she won. In the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics Rosenfeld was entered in the 800m race. She entered the race with no training what-so-ever and was only in to encourage her teammate Jean Thompson. As they neared the finish Rosenfeld cheered her teammate on, and didn't pass her on purpose giving her the 4th place finish.

CriticismsWhat good did she do for Canada?

After her severe arthritis attacks she became a sports writer and had her own column in the Toronto Glove and Mail in called “Sports Reel” and continued writing for nearly 20 years. As she would write these articles, she would advocate for women's rights in athletics and help break the traditional barriers against women competing in sports. She also encouraged females to participate in sports in elementary schools.

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