Martha (Nelson) Grant

Athlete (1990)

Swimming

Martha was born in Saskatoon on October 22, 1954, and rose to the top of the sport of swimming. It all started in 1963 as a nine-year-old with the Saskatoon Optimist Swim Club, under the watchful eye of head coach Harry Bailey. She developed into a top-notch swimmer, and by 1970 held 43 Saskatoon records. In 1970-71 as a member of the North Vancouver Swim Club, she held the Canadian senior girls' 100 metre backstroke record. In the 200 yards and the 200 metre individual medleys, she held Canadian records for her age group.

In 1971-72 Martha joined the Canadian Dolphins Swim Club of Vancouver, coached by Derek Snelling. At the 1972 Olympic trials she won silver medals in the 200 metre individual medley and the 800 metre free style relay. This earned her a trip to the Munich Olympics where she placed 18th in the 200 metre individual medley. That same year she went to Warsaw for a special meet and won the 200 metre backstroke and the 200 metre individual medley. Following the Warsaw meet she retired from competition.

Martha was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 1981.