Flying

“Flying”  (1979)
Submitted by: Chris Cassidy

Flying here is 14 year old Rosalind Cassidy, running the 800m race in the Toronto Women’s Colgate Games. Rosalind went on to Illinois State University where she received a full scholarship and was one of their top runners in Track and Field and Cross Country. Rosalind attended West Ferris Secondary School and is honoured in the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame.

Arlie Hoffman’s Comments
These two images of track athletes were selected to show contrasting settings. One shows a large audience (and the coach) cheering on the runner Glenn Meadows to the finish line. The other runner Rosalind Cassidy is alone and, from the photographer’s point of view, has no fan fare and little spectator involvement. 

Of the two photographs, the large crowd photo is more dynamic as it has strong lines to convey track distance and spectator reaction. However, both images tell a story of the determination to succeed.