The Empowering Legacy of Ethel Catherwood: North Dakota’s Unsung Olympic Hero

The Complex Legacy of Olympic Gold Medalist Ethel Catherwood: Empowering Athletes and Resisting Society’s Expectations

A Forgotten Champion

In the shadow of the celebrated Lamoureux twins, North Dakota’s Olympic champions are often overlooked. However, this edition of NBC’s “Hometown Hopefuls” brings to light the remarkable story of Ethel Catherwood, a native North Dakotan who won gold in the high jump at the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam. While the Lamoureux twins have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the world of hockey, Catherwood’s historic achievement deserves recognition and appreciation.

The Struggles of Identity and Objectification

Catherwood’s success on the world stage was not without its challenges, particularly during an era when women faced significant barriers in professional sports. As an athlete competing at a time when women’s participation in sports was often actively discouraged, she had to confront not only her physical abilities but also society’s attitudes towards women in athletics.

Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics, publicly objected to women competing in the Games. This objection reflected a broader cultural sentiment that women were not suited for strenuous physical activities. Unfortunately, these attitudes persisted even after Catherwood’s victory. Attention from the media and the public often focused more on her physical appearance than her athletic abilities.

The media’s objectification of Catherwood is evident in the descriptions used to define her. She was referred to as a “slim, blue-eyed fairy” and “a gorgeous Canadian beauty who had the boys at the 1928 Olympic Games goggle-eyed.” The coverage of her achievements consistently emphasized her looks, overshadowing her impressive athletic talent. This undue focus on her appearance diminished her accomplishments and reinforced harmful stereotypes that women in sports should be valued primarily for their attractiveness.

The Matchless Six and Catherwood’s Legacy

Although Catherwood was not alone in her battle against societal expectations, she experienced a particular level of scrutiny. Alongside six other female athletes, she formed Canada’s first team of female athletes at the Olympics, known as the Matchless Six. Despite the collective achievements of this groundbreaking group, Catherwood became the center of attention.

Upon returning to her hometown of Saskatoon, she was celebrated with a civic holiday and financial support for her piano education. Offers for roles in motion pictures came her way, but she declined them. Nevertheless, the media attention and societal pressure seemed to contribute to her dismissal of her athletic prowess. Catherwood’s apathy towards journalists who sought to tell her story and her self-proclaimed lack of interest in her role as a trailblazer highlight the toll that objectification and societal pressures took on her.

A Legacy of Empowerment

While Catherwood may have distanced herself from her athletic achievements and the media circus that surrounded her, her historic victory in the high jump remains a testament to her talent and perseverance. Her success challenges the societal expectations and setbacks she faced throughout her career. Despite the objectification and pressure, Catherwood’s achievement empowers athletes, especially women, to push beyond societal limitations and pursue their passions.

It is essential to remember Catherwood’s legacy not only for her athletic triumph but also for the complex cultural context in which she existed. Her story raises important questions about the treatment of women in sports and the necessity of shifting societal attitudes towards female athleticism.

Advice for Society and Athletes

As we look ahead to the Paris 2024 Games, it is crucial to acknowledge and learn from the past. Society must recognize the harm caused by objectifying and downplaying the achievements of female athletes based on their appearance. By focusing on their talent, strength, and dedication, we can help create an environment that fosters gender equality in sports.

For athletes, Catherwood’s story serves as a reminder to embrace their own accomplishments and resist societal pressures to conform to narrow expectations. Celebrating achievements should not be hindered by objectification or superficial judgments. Athletes must find strength in their abilities and become agents of change in breaking down gender stereotypes in sports.

Ethel Catherwood’s journey, though fraught with challenges, is a significant chapter in the history of women in athletics. Her victory serves as an inspiration for both current and future generations of athletes seeking to rise above societal limitations and redefine the boundaries of what is possible.