2000 - Barb Clark Parolin

Barb Clark Parolin

BARB CLARK PAROLIN graduated from Wm. E. Hay in 1976, having taken her education from grade six on in the Stettler Schools. Barb's swim career began in 1970, and in 1971 she set Alberta records in the backstroke.

In 1972 she qualified for the Olympic Trials in the 100 metre freestyle and butterfly events, and qualified for the Canadian National Team in 1973. That same year, she won three gold and two silver metals while competing on the Canada Games team in British Columbia. Numerous competitions at the national and international level followed, breaking Alberta and Canadian records in her favourite events, the 50 metre and 100 metre freestyle, the 50 metre and 100 metre backstroke, and the 100 metre butterfly.

In 1974 Barb was named Alberta's outstanding female swimmer. In 1975 Barb broke the Commonwealth record for the 100 metre butterfly, and became the first female ever to break the one minute time in the 100 metre freestyle. She won the National Championships, qualified for the World Championships in South America, and set a new world mark in the 50 metre freestyle. Barb was inducted into the U.S. Swimming Hall of Fame in 1975.

Barb qualified for the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, and was rewarded with a bronze metal as part of the 4 x 100 freestyle relay team. She was again chosen as Alberta's outstanding female swimmer. In this year, Barb was awarded the Silver Governor General's Award, and was inducted into the Canadian Hall of Fame in Ottawa.

Since that time, Barb has pursued careers in Education, as a wife and mother, as a volunteer, and as a coach. In 1985 she swam at the Masters level for one year, participating at the National championships, where in seven races, she won seven gold medals and broke six Canadian national records. Barb currently resides in Leduc, with her husband, Bob, and their three children.