Cecil Smith Hedstrom

Class of 1991: Athlete

The record of success of this Toronto Skating Club star during the 1920s and 1930s truly vaulted Canada onto the world figure skating stage. In 1924, at the age of 15, she became the first Canadian female ever to participate at the Olympic Winter Games, doing so in both Ladies and Pairs. In 1925 and 1926 Canadian Senior Ladies champion and a member of 1925-1927 Canadian Fours title holders, she was the first Canadian to obtain the Gold Medal Test. Competing in the 1928 Olympics she earned a 5th place showing. Her greatest moment occurred in 1930 when, placing 2nd only to Sonja Henie, she claimed Canada’s first ever World figure skating medal. Retiring from active competition, Cecil went on to coach in the United States and Canada, rounding out one of the most illustrious careers in early Canadian figure skating history.