Anne Ottenbrite

Anne was born and raised in Whitby and began her swimming career at the age of 3 in the backyard swimming pool. She refined her craft under coaches Paul Meronen and Lynne Trimbee as a member of the Ajax Aquatic Club.

In 1982, Anne was named the Whitby Chamber of Commerce Student of the year. After graduating from Henry Street High School in Whitby, Anne received a full scholarship to attend the University of Southern California where she became a member of the school Swim Team.

Anne’s accomplishments are many, including: 3 Gold medals at the 1981 Canada Games, Silver and Bronze medals at the 1982 World Championships, 2 Gold and 1 Silver at the 1982 Commonwealth Games, 2 Golds at the 1983 Pan American Games and, ultimately, 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Subsequent to her success at the 1984 Olympics, a parade was held in Whitby and 25,000 people lined the streets to welcome Anne home and witness her recognition by the Town. Her Gold medal at the Olympics ended a drought of 72 years for a Canadian to achieve such an honour.

Anne was inducted into the Canada Sports Hall of Fame in 1994, the Canadian Aquatic Hall of Fame in 1991, and the International Hall of Fame in 1999. Anne was also the recipient of the Order of Canada in 1985.