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1984 Los Angeles: Fisher & Morris

Broadcast Date: Aug. 11, 1984

Hugh Fisher and Alwyn Morris aren't full of bluster and bravado. Paddling, after all, is a relatively low-profile sport. But the two athletes also communicate a oneness; a desire to perform the best they can for themselves. In this CBC feature, the paddlers are seen in training, propelling their kayak forward in smooth synchronicity. Morris and Fisher will go on to win the gold medal in the kayak pairs 1000-metre event.

1984 Los Angeles: Fisher & Morris

• When Morris and Fisher were awarded the gold medal, Morris raised an eagle feather to honour his Kahnawake Mohawk heritage. He later told CBC Television, "I raised the feather to share that experience and identify the fact that I was a Mohawk person, and I was very proud of that aspect; of being able to share that experience of being an aboriginal person, share the aspect of my grandfather, and the honour that I wanted to bestow on him. And certainly from Canada's perspective I was representing the country."

• Morris and Fisher also won a bronze medal in the 500-metre two-man kayak race.
• Along with Larry Cain, who won the gold medal in canoeing, Morris and Fisher boosted the profile of paddling in Canada. Subsequent Canadian powerhouses Caroline Brunet and Steve Giles made their mark in international competitions.

• Following the 1984 Olympics, Fisher and Morris were appointed companions of the Order of Canada. Morris was appointed Ambassador of Youth for Canada and later worked with Health and Welfare Canada's Native Drug Abuse Programme. Hugh Fisher became a doctor and coached young paddlers in his spare time.

• Since many of the Soviet-bloc countries boycotted the 1984 Summer Games, some speculate that Canada's final medal count may have been artificially boosted. In total, Canada collected 10 gold medals, 18 silvers and 16 bronzes. The athletes who won gold included: Linda Thom (sport pistol); Alex Baumann (200m and 400m individual medley); Hugh Fisher and Alwyn Morris (1000m kayak); Anne Ottenbrite (200m breaststroke); (continued...)

(...continued) Victor Davis (200m breaststroke); Pat Turner, Kevin Neufleld, Mark Evans, Grant Main, Paul Steele, Mike Evans, Dean Crawford, Blair Horm, Brian McMahon men's eights rowing); Larry Cain (1500m canoe); Lori Fung (rhythmic gymnastics).

1984 Los Angeles: Fisher & Morris

Medium: Television

Stock-shot

Program: CBC Sports

Broadcast Date: Aug. 11, 1984

Guest(s): Hugh Fisher, Alwyn Morris

Duration: 2:25

Last updated:
June 30, 2004