
In 1967, the construction of the Olympic sized Centennial Pool in Halifax helped many local athletes train in order to compete at a higher level. This pool became an important factor in the development of Susan MacLeod’s career. In 1972, MacLeod joined the Halifax Trojan Aquatic Club and the following year competed for Nova Scotia at the Canada Summer Games in B.C. The experience elevated her horizons and under the coaching of Nigel Kemp, she competed in her 1st National competition in 1974.
In 1976, MacLeod set 62 Provincial Senior and Age group records at the National Championships including a 1500m freestyle (17:23:87) performance, which was 16 seconds faster than the Nova Scotia men’s record. In 1977, she earned a place on the Canadian National Swim Team after medaling at the National Championships.
She placed 5th in the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton and 10th at the World Aquatic Championships in Germany. MacLeod went on to swim for Dalhousie University and was named Dalhousie AUAA and CIAU Swimmer of the Year. In 1979, she captured a bronze medal at the World University Games in the 400m Freestyle Relay as well as seven CIAU individual titles and a total of 16 championship medals.
In AUAA Championship Competition she was unbeatable, winning all twenty events (three individual and two relay), the maximum number she was allowed to enter over the four years spanning 1979-1982. Susan MacLeod was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 1985.
• Began her Training with the Halifax Y Otters
• 1972 Joined Halifax Trojan Aquatic Club
• 1976 Set 62 Prov Sr and Age Group Records
• 1st NS Swimmer to Medal at Canada Games, 1977
• 1978-79 Atlantic Uni Athletic Assoc Swimmer of Yr
• Cdn Interuni Athletic Union Swimmer of the Year
• Dal Tiger 4-Time All-Canadian
• AUAA Swimmer of the Year and Team MVP
• Captured 7 CIAU Individual Titles
• Graduated Dalhousie with a Bachelor of Science
• Works at NS Rehabilitation Hospital