Aileen Meagher

Artist: Aileeen Meagher
Painting: Iceberg Finale
Oil on masonite: 59x89cm

picture from the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame

When prowling for art stories from Nova Scotia I chanced upon the name of Aileen Meagher. Aileen's story attracts me for she was an intriquing individual.

Wikepedia writes the following about Aileen:

Aileen Aletha Meagher (November 26, 1910 – August 2, 1987) was a Canadian athlete who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics.
She was born and died in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She was also a painter.
In 1936 she was a member of the Canadian relay team which won the bronze medal in the 4×100 metres event with her team mates Dorothy Brookshaw, Mildred Dolson and Hilda Cameron. In the 100 metre competition Meagher was eliminated in the semi-finals.
At the 1934 Empire Games she won the gold medal with the Canadian team in the 220-110-220-110 yards relay contest and the silver medal in the 110-220-110 yards relay competition. In the 220 yards event she won the silver medal. Four years later she was part of the Canadian team she won the silver medal in the 110-220-110 yards relay competition and the bronze medal in the 220-110-220-110 yards relay event. In the 220 yards competition she finished fourth.
In 1935, she was awarded the Velma Springstead Trophy, presented annually to Canada's outstanding female athlete. In 1965, she was inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame. She is also a member of the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame

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Not only was she an Olympic Gold winner, but she was also recognized for her art.

The Nova Scotia archives says that Aileen was born in Edmonton, Ab. and that she moved to Halifax with her parents, in her early childhood.

Links:
Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame
Dalhousie Art Gallery