Athletic from an early age, Florence Bell was early on christened “Calamity Jane” by her father and the name Jane stuck with her for life. Her father had been a high-level lacrosse player in his youth and his love of sports was instilled in Jane Bell. When only 13, she competed against a girls team in the United States. After the 1928 Olympics, she began studying at the Margaret Eaton School for girls. In 1929 she was Canadian champion in the 60 yard hurdles, javelin throw, and baseball throw. Graduating from Margaret Eaton in 1930, she became a physical education instructor at the Guelph YWCA, and this made her a professional and ended her athletic career. After her marriage, she settled in the United States and eventually became an American citizen. She was also a talented curler and later became a competitive golfer in the US. When she died in 1998, she was the last survivor of the 1928 Canadian women’s athletics team, termed “The Matchless Six” for their accomplishments.
Personal Best: 100 – 12.6 (1928).
Canada