This exceptional athlete joined the Thunderbolts Swim Club when it was first formed in Thunder Bay in 1972. Joann became one of the finest female swimmers ever to come out of the club. Specializing in the Breaststroke and Individual Medley, she claimed numerous medals at Canadian and international meets and was ranked among the top 10 in the world in these two disciplines.

In 1975 Joann won two silver medals at the Pan American Games in the 400m Medley Relay and 200m Breaststroke and recorded impressive 4th and 6th place finishes at the World Championships.

In 1976 at the Canadian Swimming Championships Joann earned 2 golds, a silver and two bronze medals, setting a new Canadian & Commonwealth record in the 200m Breast, breaking her own record by an amazing 4.23 seconds. Representing Canada at the 1976 Olympics at the age of only 15 and after just one year on the national team, Joann recorded an impressive 7th place finish in the 400m Individual Medley.

Not surprisingly, Joann's talents earned her a scholarship with the University of Arizona, where she competed for her team in two NCAA championships. Joann's outstanding accomplishments also earned her the distinction of laying claim to the most amount of all-time records (8) set at long and short course competitions by any female member of the Thunder Bay Thunderbolts.

Inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, September 10th, 1994

Inducted Athletes