Shirley Gordon Olafsson (born Shirley Gordon; 10 April 1927 – 23 November 2019) was a Canadian athlete. She competed in the women's high jump at the 1948 Summer Olympics tying for 11th place. Gordon was born with a deformed left foot. She walked with a limp and used crutches until she was 13. Unable to compete in team sports, she taught herself the high jump. She joined a track club after a friend who was invited insisted that they admit Shirley as well. She married Herbert Olafsson, who was a member of the Canadian National Basketball team. References External links on the BC Sports Hall of Fame 1927 births 2019 deaths Athletes (track and field) at the 1948 Summer Olympics Canadian female high jumpers Olympic track and field athletes of Canada Athletes (track and field) at the 1950 British Empire Games Commonwealth Games competitors for Canada Athletes from Vancouver