Hall of Fame
An outstanding middle-distance runner for more than 15 years, Abby Hoffman won eight Canadian championships in 800m and held national record in 800m from 1962-75, held the Canadian record in 440yds from 1963-76 and represented Canada internationally from 1962-76. She is among Varsity's most honoured and successful international competitors: Olympic Games (1964-68-72-76): finalist in 800m in 1968 and 1972; Pan-American Games (1963-67-71-75): Bronze in 800m in 1967, Gold in 800m in 1971, Silver in 800m in 1975, Bronze in 1500m in 1975; World University Games (1965-67-71): Silver in 800m in 1967, Bronze in 800m in 1965 and she was Chef de Mission for Team Canada in 1967 and 1971; Commonwealth Games (1966-70): Gold in 880 yds in 1966; Maccabiah Games (1969): Gold in 400m & 800m in 1969. She set the Commonwealth Record in 800m during 1972 Olympics.
In addition to her competitive success, Hoffman has been a leader in the efforts to gain recognition for women's high performance athletics at the university, national and international levels. During the late 1960s, she was active in the campaign to gain admission for women to Hart House and was for many years the only female runner in an all-male track club. She was the first woman elected to the Executive of Canadian Olympic Association and served for several years as Director General of Sport Canada. Her awards include the Ontario Award of Merit (1975), City of Toronto Civic Award of Merit (1976) and Order of Canada (1982).
