Abigail Hoffman

>Abigail Hoffman, track and field athlete, sport administrator (b at Toronto 11 Feb 1947). As a 9-year-old hockey player, she unwittingly caused controversy by entering a male-dominated sport; she later joined the Toronto Olympic Club, winning her first national championship in the 880 yard (806 m) race at the age of 15. She competed internationally from 1962 to 1976 in 4 Olympics, 4 Pan-American Games (2 gold medals) and 2 Commonwealth Games (1 gold). In Ontario, and then as director of Sport Canada (the federal amateur-sport administration), Hoffman has fought for athletes' rights and for the advancement of women in sport. In recognition of her contribution was made a member of the Order of Canada.