Deborah Miller-Brown (born in 1951 in Nova Scotia) | Black History Month | Seneca Students

Image illustrated by Veronica Rojas Marquez, Fashion Arts advanced diploma student. Instagram: @veronicarojasm.

Deborah Miller-Brown was the first Black Nova Scotian to participate in the Olympics. She began her track career at age 11 after being adopted by her mother and moving from Nova Scotia to Brantford, Ontario (Toms, 2016). Showing exceptional skill and promise in local meets, Ms. Miller-Brown ended up joining the Canadian team in 1968 at the age of 17. She traveled to Mexico as part of the Canadian team and completed in the 100 and 200 metre races and the women’s relay. While she did not win a medal, she set a time that led her to be ranked 8 best in the world (Toms, 2016). She was presented with the Prime Minister’s Medal of Excellence in Sports upon her return to Canada. Ms. Miller-Brown continues to be active in the world of sport, speaking to and training young athletes.

Reference:

Toms, C. (2016, September 30). Former Olympian returns to her alma mater. Brantnews.com. https://www.gottarent.com/news-story/6888052-former-olympian-returns-to-her-alma-mater/