Ross Robinson
Toronto Daily Star, December 8 1927
Ross Robinson (1906-1992) did go on to compete for Canada in the 1928 Winter Olympics. He finished 14th in the 500 metre event, 17th in the 1500 metre event, and 22nd in the 5000 metres. He became the North American outdoor champion in 1930.
He had no way of knowing that tragedy was about to strike his family. His older sister, Gladys Robinson, had been the North American speed skating champion from 1921 to 1923, but passed away in 1934 at the age of 32; I couldn't find out any details. And, in 1936, he was the sole survivor when his boat capsized in heavy winds on Lake Simcoe; his sister Henrietta and his brother-in-law were among those killed.
Charles Gorman (1898-1940), mentioned in the caption above, did decide to compete in the 1928 Olympics. But, to a certain extent, he did appear to be temperamental: after competing in the 500 metre event, he refused to compete in the 5000 metre event after judges ruled that the competitor who fell in his path in the 500 metres had not interfered with him.
Created September 11, 2025.