Bobbie Rosenfeld

Fanny “Bobbie” Rosenfeld (December 28, 1904 — November 14, 1969) was a Canadian athlete in the 1920s. She competed in basketball, hockey, softball, speed skating, tennis, and track and field.“Bobbie Rosenfeld: One of the Greatest All-Around Athletes.” CBC. Retrieved 24 June 2014. During her career, she won two Olympic medals in track and field. She was also the Canadian record holder for the standing broad jump, running broad jump, and discus.“Celebrating Women’s Achievements: Fanny “Bobbie” Rosenfeld.” Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 24 June 2014 

In 1949, Rosenfeld was one of the first people to be given a place in the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. In 1950, she was named Canada’s woman athlete of the first half-century (meaning 1900-1950) by the Canadian Press.Fanny is considered to be one of the most influential Canadian athletes of all time.

Early years
Fanny Rosenfeld was born on December 28, 1903 in Dnipro, Russia. After Fanny’s birth, the Rosenfeld family moved to Barrie, Ontario. Rosenfeld’s athletic ability was first noticed during a 100-metre dash that she ran for fun in a small track and field meet in 1923. She came first in the race, beating Rosa Grosse, the Canadian champion.“Bobbie Rosenfeld.”   Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. Retrieved 24 June 2014.

1928 Olympics
Rosenfeld competed in the Olympics in Amsterdam in 1928. This was the first time that women were allowed to participate in track and field events at the Olympics. She was a member of the Matchless Six, the Canadian women’s track and field team. This team placed first in the 400-metre relay, won the gold medal, and became national heroes. Rosenfeld also won the silver medal in the 100-metre dash and placed fifth in the 800-metre race.

Retirement from sports
Soon after the Amsterdam Olympics, Rosenfeld found out she had arthritis. This arthritis forced her to retire as an athlete in 1933, but she continued to be involved in sports as a coach and as a writer.“Women of Valor – Bobbie Rosenfeld.”  Jewish Women’s Archive. Retrieved 24 June 2014. In 1934, she coached the women’s track and field team for Canada. They competed at the British Commonwealth Games in London, England. 

Starting in 1937, she wrote “Sports Reel”, a newspaper column in the Globe and Mail, a Canadian newspaper. Through her writing, she continued to remind women that they were “people” and they could do anything they wanted, including sports. 

Death and legacy
Rosenfeld died on November 13, 1969. She was 65 years old. Her contributions are remembered in a number of ways. 

The Bobbie Rosenfeld Trophy has given to a female athlete every year since 1978. In Israel, she was introduced into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. A park in downtown Toronto was named after her in 1991. In 1996, Canada Post honored her with a stamp. The Jewish Women’s Archive in the United States named Rosenfeld a Woman of Valour for 2000.

 References 

Category:1904 births
Category:1969 deaths
Category:Canadian Jews
Category:Olympic gold medalists for Canada
Category:Olympic silver medalists for Canada

Category:Sportspeople from Ontario