Background
She was born in Toronto, but her family later moved to Hamilton and then to Penetanguishene.
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Jean Thompson
Edit ProfileEducation
She finished in fourth place in the 800 m at the 1928 Summer Olympics, when women competitions were first introduced to the Olympic Games.
Career
Thompson was the fifth of seven children of David and Margaret Thompson. In 1924 her mother died in a car accident. In 1930 she graduated from the Margaret Eaton School of Physical Education and later worked at a brokerage firm.
In 1987, Jean Thompson was posthumously inducted into the Penetanguishene Sports Hall of Fame.
Her great-nephew, Russian Howard, is a retired Olympic curler.
Achievements
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Thompson started training in athletics in 1925, soon after enrolling to Penetang High School, and already in 1928 won the national title in the 800 m, setting a world record and qualifying for the Olympics. Despite her small size, she also competed in throwing, and in 1929 won national titles in the shot put, discus throw and in the long jump. She also won competitions in the 100 yd, 220 yd, high jump and javelin throw.
