Definition
Angela Bailey (28 March 1962 – 31 August 2021) was a Canadian track and field athlete who specialized in sprint events, most notably the 100 metres. She held the Canadian women's 100‑metre record of 10.98 seconds, set in 1987, which remained the national record for several decades.
Overview
Born in Manchester, England, Bailey emigrated with her family to Canada in 1976 and began competing for the Canadian national team. She represented Canada at multiple international championships, including the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where she reached the semifinals of the 100 m. Bailey’s most prominent performances occurred during the mid‑1980s: she placed fourth in the 100 m at the 1987 World Championships in Athletics, won a gold medal in the 4 × 100 m relay at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, and secured a silver medal in the 100 m at the 1986 Goodwill Games. Over her career she accumulated several national titles and remained a dominant figure in Canadian women's sprinting throughout the 1980s.
Etymology/Origin
- Angela: Derived from the Greek ἀγγέλλων (angelón), meaning “messenger” or “angel.”
- Bailey: An English surname originating from the occupational term “bailiff,” referring to a steward or official.
Characteristics
- Primary Events: 100 metres; also competed in the 200 metres and 4 × 100 m relay.
- Personal Bests: 100 m – 10.98 seconds (Calgary, 30 July 1987); 200 m – 22.44 seconds.
- Physical Attributes: Height ≈ 1.73 m; weight ≈ 63 kg during competitive years, reflecting a typical sprint‑specialist build.
- Technical Style: Known for an explosive start and efficient stride mechanics, which contributed to her consistently fast reaction times and acceleration phase.
- Legacy: Bailey’s 10.98‑second performance remained the Canadian record for over three decades, and she is widely regarded as one of Canada’s most accomplished female sprinters. After retiring from competition, she contributed to athletics as a coach and mentor.
Related Topics
- Canadian Track and Field History
- Women’s 100‑metre sprint records
- 1987 World Championships in Athletics (Rome)
- Commonwealth Games athletics competition
- Goodwill Games athletics events
- Development of sprint training methodologies in the 1980s
All information presented is based on verified historical records and reliable sources.