Velma Springstead

Velma Springstead (22 August 1906 – 27 March 1927) was a Canadian track and field athlete. Springstead won the gold medal in high jump during the 1925 Canadian Track and Field Championships and became a member of the first women's track and field team of Canada to compete internationally. After her death, Springstead was posthumously honoured with the creation of the Velma Springstead Trophy and was inducted into the Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.

Early life and education Springstead was born on 22 August 1906 in Hamilton, Ontario.

Career In July 1925, Springstead participated in a track and field qualification held at Varsity Stadium for the Amateur Athletic Union of Canada. Her performance earned her a spot on the first women's track and field team of Canada to compete in an international event. Outside of her athletic career, Springstead worked for Calvin Presbyterian Church as a teacher and was a secretary for Tuckett Tobacco Company.

Death On 27 March 1927, Springstead died of pneumonia in Hamilton, Ontario. In 2011, Springstead was posthumously inducted into the Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame.