University of Toronto Athletics

Swimmer, rower, landscape architect and flutist – Karen LeGresley Hamre is a woman of many talents.

The Toronto native began her competitive swimming career at the age of ten, and never looked back. She competed in the 1972 Munich Olympics in the 200 and 800 m freestyle, was in the Canadian nationals five times, and set the Canadian record in the 1650 yd freestyle.

The Varsity Blues benefited from Karen’s tremendous aquatic talents during her time with the swim team from 1976 to 1979. During those years, she was an integral part of a team that won three OWIAA and two CIAU championships. Karen herself won 11 gold, two silver and two bronze medals in 16 OWIAA freestyle events and one gold, five silver and six bronze in CIAU events.

Not content with being just in the water, Karen wanted to be over it as well. She was a member of the Varsity rowing team in 1977 and 1978 and a member of the London and Calgary rowing clubs. She was awarded a Silver T in 1979.

Back on land and with her degree in landscape architecture (1979), Karen planned and designed parks, public buildings and businesses across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. She has owned and operated Avens Associates Ltd. in Yellowknife since 1986, providing professional consulting services in landscape architecture, environmental and interpretive planning, and is a member of various public boards. Karen also plays and teaches flute.