By Evan Midford, Website & Social Media Coordinator
The Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame joins those mourning the passing of legendary athlete Bruce Pirnie.
Pirnie’s career in shot putting took him across the globe, and he reciprocated by providing guidance to organizations and young athletes.
Pirnie’s career included several provincial championships and a selection to the International Amateur Athletic Federation’s All-Star team in 1971. This led to his participation in the 1972 Summer Games, where he was named Track and Field team captain.
Pirnie soon amassed an impressive medal count at international tournaments, highlighted by a Gold Medal performance at the 1975 Pan American Games in Mexico City. Pirnie once again performed at the Olympics in 1976 and once more held the captaincy for Canada’s track and field squad.
After retiring from competition in 1979, Pirnie joined the Board of Directors of the Canadian Track & Field Association and started with the University of Manitoba’s High-Performance Centre as its throwing coach.
Pirnie also dedicated time to basketball, as both Vice-President of the Manitoba Basketball Association and President of the Norwood Basketball Club. He coached provincial women’s select teams and received an Outstanding Volunteer award in 1983.
The Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame recognized Pirnie in 1987 as an Honoured Member.
Learn more about Bruce Pirnie on the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame website.
