Recognized as one of the founding members of the Don Rowing Club, William O'Connor's brief life held a tremendous set of accomplishments in the field of rowing. O'Connor is not officially recognized by the Canada Sport Hall of Fame. Due to the inaccurate records kept during the very early days of sport, it has been difficult for the Selection Committee to determine a potential inductee's accomplishments. In the early 1980's, the family of William O'Connor presented a heavily documented file to the Committee. It remains in the Hall's archives, and is open for researchers.O'Connor's record was impressive. Between 1885 until his premature death in 1892, at the age of 29, he was the best in North America. He defeated Ned Hanlan and Jake Gaudaur. Unfortunately he was never successful in a number of attempts at the world title although he and Hanlan did claim the pairs championship. |