Cynthia Nicholas


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Nicholas, Cynthia
Cynthia Nicholas, "Cindy," marathon swimmer (b at Toronto, Ont 20 Aug 1957). She began competitive swimming in 1963 in Scarborough, Ont, and set several Canadian age group records, mostly in the butterfly stroke. Her first marathon achievement was a 1974 Lk Ontario crossing that bettered all previous records - for both men and women. In 1977 she became the first woman to complete a double crossing of the English Channel, taking 10 hours off the previous mark.

In 1979 she won the title "Queen of the Channel," for her 6th crossing; by 1982 she had completed 19 crossings, including five 2-way trips. She also set record times in Chaleur Bay swims, and was the 1976 women's world marathon swimming champion. Nicholas was named Canadian female athlete of the year in 1977 and a Member of the Order of Canada in 1979. Nicholas began her second career in the law after retiring and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1984. She was elected to the Ontario Legislature as a Liberal in 1987 but was defeated in 1990 and returned to private practice.

Author BARBARA SCHRODT

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