In the 20th century, Ottawa was home to remarkable heroes and athletes who brought Canada numerous medals. Among these outstanding sports figures was Frank Amyot, a canoeist who secured a gold medal at the Olympics. Learn more on iottawa.net.
How Frank Discovered Canoeing
Frank Amyot was born in 1894 in Thornhill. His family later relocated to Ottawa due to his father, Dr. John Amyot, accepting the role of Canada’s first Deputy Minister of Health from 1919 to 1932. Frank grew up as one of seven children.
He pursued education at universities in Toronto and Ottawa, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1926. Frank’s passion for canoeing began at a young age when he and his brothers would paddle on local rivers, sparking a lifelong love for the sport.
Frank Amyot’s Canoeing Career
Frank’s competitive journey in canoeing started in 1923 when he won the Canadian Intermediate Relay Championship. Over the years, he dominated six additional canoeing events while continuing his studies in Ottawa.
In 1936, at 32, Amyot made his Olympic debut at the Summer Games in Berlin. He earned Canada’s sole gold medal that year, breaking records by completing a 1-kilometre race in just 5:32.1. His victory not only made him a national hero but also set a new world standard in the sport.
With the onset of World War II, Amyot joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve, where he trained and attained the rank of lieutenant. Serving in the English Channel until 1944, he commanded four different ships. His leadership was praised by his crew for his compassion and dedication to their welfare.
For his wartime contributions, Amyot received numerous honours, including:
- The 1939–1945 Star
- The Atlantic Star
- The Defence Medal
- The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal
- The War Medal
After the war, Amyot returned to Ottawa, where he worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs as a welfare officer. He also served in the Naval Reserve.
A Hero in Canoeing and Beyond
Amyot’s heroism extended beyond his athletic and military achievements. In 1933, during a canoeing event on Lake Deschênes near Ottawa, two football players from the Ottawa Rough Riders capsized. Amyot, nearby in his canoe, saved them from drowning. His bravery earned him widespread admiration as a hero.
Frank Amyot passed away in 1962 at the age of 57 due to cancer. Despite his early death, his legacy remains firmly etched in Canada’s sporting history.
- Amyot was inducted into both the Olympic Hall of Fame and the Canada Sports Hall of Fame.
- A Memorial Trophy for junior canoeists was named in his honour.
- In 2012, a special exhibition showcased his photos, collections, and trophies.
Amyot’s story inspires not only athletes but anyone striving to make a difference, embodying the spirit of resilience and dedication.