Susan Smith Halak

Swimming Athlete — Inducted 1978

Susan Smith Halak began swimming competitively in 1956 at the age of six and quickly established herself as one of Canada’s top young swimmers. By the age of fourteen, she won her first major competition while setting a National Age Group record, marking the beginning of an outstanding competitive career.

Born December 7, 1950, Susan went on to set additional records at both national and international levels. She achieved success at the Canada Games and Commonwealth Games in the 200-metre and 400-metre individual medley events. Her consistent performances earned her selection as the first alternate for the Canadian Olympic Team at the 1968 Olympic Games.

Susan continued to excel internationally, winning a silver medal at the 1970 Commonwealth Games and a bronze medal at the 1971 Pan American Games. At the university level, she was named the high-point swimmer at the 1972 National University Championships, further demonstrating her versatility and dominance across multiple events.

Throughout her competitive career, Susan represented Alberta and Canada with distinction and helped elevate the profile of competitive swimming in the province.

After Induction