1907–1980
Prospect Cemetery
Section 31 Lot 78S
Ethel May Smith Stewart was born in Toronto where she became a forerunner in Canadian athletics – a symbol of determination during an era when women’s participation in competitive sports faced widespread skepticism. She grew up in a working-class family and left school at age 14 to work in the city’s garment district. Despite long hours, she still managed to pursue athletics passionately, joining the Parkdale Ladies’ Athletic Club and excelling in track, baseball and basketball.
Her breakthrough came at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, the first Games to allow women in track and field. Ethel was part of Canada’s legendary “Matchless Six,” a group of female athletes who defied societal norms and captured national attention. She won gold in the 4×100-metre relay, alongside teammates Bobbie Rosenfeld, Myrtle Cook and Jane Bell, whose relay victory set a world record and marked a turning point for women in sport. Stewart also earned bronze in the 100-metre sprint at these Games.
After retiring in 1929, Ethel remained a celebrated figure. She was inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame (1949) and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame (1955), cementing her legacy as one of the country’s greatest athletes. Her story reflects ambition, effort and social progress.
Sources:
• Wikipedia – Ethel Smith (Athlete)
• Olympedia – Ethel Smith
Photos:
• Ethel at the 1928 Summer Olympics, Fanny Rosenfeld, Modifications made by MachoCarioca, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
• Ethel Smith (left) and Bobbie Rosenfeld (second from left) of Canada, perhaps at semi-final in the women's100 meters at the 28th Summer Olympic Games in Amsterdam, Fanny Rosenfeld, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
