LINDA
MCCURDY
ATHLETE
TRACK AND FIELD
CLASS OF 2016
Linda McCurdy is one of the greatest high jumpers in Windsor / Essex County track and field history. In addition to an All-American career at the University of Texas El Paso, she successfully represented Canada on the international stage around the world.
Born and raised in Windsor, Linda first started high jumping at age six and quickly became adept at the discipline, winning a bronze medal at the 1997 OFSAA championships as a grade nine Vincent Massey student. The following year, Linda attended school at Lansing Everett while her mother completed her master’s degree at Michigan State. While at Everett, Linda lettered in track and field and finished fifth in the Michigan state track championships. She returned to Windsor the next year and finished her high school career at W.D. Lowe High School, where she was a multi-sport star for the Trojans and a record-setting three-time OFSAA champion in the high jump. Outside of school competition, Linda also claimed the Canadian National Junior High Jump Championship in 1980, was a silver medalist at the 1980 Junior Pan American Track and Field Championships, and won gold at the 1981 Canada Summer Games.
Recruited by several American schools, Linda chose to attend UTEP on a full scholarship and compete for its famed U.S. college track program. Throughout her four years in El Paso, Linda was a highly-ranked competitor in NCAA women’s high jump, earning All-American honours and finishing 3rd in the high jump at the 1982 Indoor Championships. She competed for the Canadian national team throughout her college career and following graduation, won four Canadian Senior High Jump Championships, placed 10th at the 1986 and 1990 Commonwealth Games, and won gold at the 1992 Canadian Olympic Trials.
At once a powerful and graceful athlete, the Windsor / Essex County Sports Hall of Fame is proud to announce the induction of Linda McCurdy into the Athlete category.