Here is a photo of Bill Parnell taken upon his return from the British Empire Games in 1950 where he had won the gold medal in the 1-mile race.
Two years later he served as Canada’s flag bearer at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki.
Born in 1928, Parnell grew up in North Vancouver where he was a member of the North Van High track team, later attending Washington State University.
He first represented Canada at the 1948 Olympic Games.
He retired from competition in 1954, going on to teach and coach at Delbrook and Handsworth secondary schools.
Visit the MONOVA website for more information about the history of the North Shore and to plan your visit to MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver, now open at 115 West Esplanade in The Shipyards.
Currently, MONOVA: Archives of North Vancouver, at 3203 Institute Road in Lynn Valley, is open for drop-ins on Monday and by appointment Tuesday-Friday, 12:30-4 p.m. Contact: [email protected]
Navigate culture on the North Shore by using the North Shore Culture Compass.
