Alistair “Al” Swanson
was a remarkable athlete who excelled in both “track” and “field” events
in his chosen sport of athletics. At the 1935 Canadian Outdoor Championships
held in Winnipeg, he captured Gold in the 100 yard dash leaving little doubt
of his sprinting prowess. When the national championships were held in Saskatoon
in 1938, Swanson followed up his earlier success with a Gold medal in the 220
yard dash, and a Silver in the 100 yard dash. He also displayed his athleticism
in the field events when he also won another Silver at the 1938 Championships,
in the long jump event.
He joined the Winnipeg Police Force and used that speed to his advantage as a constable “chasing down robbers and burglars”. He was married in 1939 and had three children, sons Jack and Gordon and a daughter, Sandy. Alistair Swanson went on to enjoy the kind of excellence in his career as a policeman that he enjoyed as an athlete, with newspaper clippings recounting his exploits in both.
b. December 24, 1911
d. September 11, 1984
