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Gladys Hartley was born in Winnipeg in 1921. Her young life as a dancer, roller skater, and
figure skater established her future excellence in artistic sport. Moving out to Vancouver in 1952 with
her husband and young daughter, Gladys would change the artistic landscape on the West Coast from the
1950's to the 1980's.
In the early 1960's, Gladys became involved in the development side of sports,
once her daughter became active in gymnastics. She was a pioneer builder of one of the largest, oldest,
and most successful gymnastics clubs in Canada, the Flicka Gymnastics Club in North Vancouver. As head
coach, judge, choreographer, and interpreter of world and Olympic compulsory routines, Gladys and her
assistant coaches rapidly advanced athletes to National and International prominence at Pan American,
World, and Olympic level from 1963 - 1976. During this time the club produced ten national/provincial
champions.
The wealth of knowledge and leadership Gladys brought to the sport enhanced its
development not only in BC, but across Canada. Gladys generously shared all she knew with other coaches,
helping put the province on the international gymnastics map. At the time, there was no head office for
the BC Gymnastics Association which was run 100% by volunteers. The regular visits by international teams
as well as clinics and meets all over the province were largely dependent on the organization and planning
of Gladys.
Gladys was highly respected for her fair treatment of all athletes. Athletes felt
it was a great honour to work with her because her artistic ideas would always bring a special flair (and
higher scores) to their routines. Her attention to helping all gymnasts made Gladys first choice as
Provincial Coach over many years, and it was a role the Canadian Gymnastics Federation noticed. Gladys was
invited to travel with the national team to England, Cuba, Israel, and Scandinavia throughout the early
1970's.
In 1975, Gladys Hartley was named a Lifetime member of the Canadian Gymnastics
Federation for her enormous impact on the sport. To this day Gladys still maintains an interest and
passion for gymnasts and still attends the Flicka Awards banquet and their Annual Gym Display. |
