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Hall of Famers

Hall of Famer

Robina Higgins Haight

Inducted in 2015

Member Details

Date of Birth: 1915
Date of Passing: 1990
Sport: Athletics
Member Category: Athlete

Career Highlights

1937

Velma Springstead Award as Canada’s Outstanding Female Athlete

Hall of Famer Robina Higgins Haight
Sport

Story

Robina competed in a number of disciplines including novelty events of the day including timed base running and the ball throw.  Robina dominated women’s field events in Canada from 1935 to 1940 in javelin, shot put, and ball throw competitions. She won nine national titles and was honoured with the Velma Springstead Award as Canada’s Outstanding Female Athlete in 1937. Robina had a Canadian record javelin throw of 131 feet, 11.75 inches in 1938, unbeaten until 1952. She also held the record for the ball throw event in 1935 of 222 feet, 2 inches that stood until 1947.

Robina amassed national titles in javelin, ball throw, shot put, and discus.  She also won the javelin event at the 1938 British Empire Games in Sydney, Australia. Robina knew of the importance of year-round training so alternated her summer field events with a successful basketball career during the winter. Robina was a guard on Toronto’s Dominion Business College Team winning five consecutive city and provincial basketball championships. She retired from active competition in 1940 and was a stenographer during WWII.