Robina (Higgins) Haight was discovered in the most classic of Hollywood traditions as she played baseball in Wesley Park. Her performance in novelty events such as timed base running and the ball throw prompted one spectator, later identified as a Sargent Park track and field coach, to issue an invitation to give the field a try.

Haight’s participation etched her name in the Canadian track and field history books. From 1935-40, she dominated women’s field events in Canada as she shone in javelin, shot put, and ball throw competition. During her brief career, Haight won nine national titles and was given the Velma Springstead award as the country’s outstanding female athlete in 1937.

Her prowess with the javelin led to a then Canadian record throw of 131 feet, 11.75 inches in 1938, a mark which stood until 1952. In a 1935 ball throw event, Haight hurled for 222 feet, 2 inches, a distance that was unsurpassed until 1947.

It was an era in athletics when competitors were friends more than rivals, as equipment and training secrets were often shared. In addition to three titles in javelin and ball throw, two in shot put, and one in discus, during national and abbreviated Canadian competition, Haight also won the javelin event at the 1938 British Empire Games in Sydney, Australia. While training techniques may have changed over the years, every good athlete knows the benefits of year-round training. Haight alternated her “summer occupation” of field events with a successful basketball career during the winter months. As a guard on the Dominion Business College team, Haight was part of the squad which won five consecutive city and provincial basketball championships. Haight retired from active competition in 1940 and worked as a stenographer during the war. Haight continued her seasonal sporting activities as a golfer and a curler.