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Lauzon-Belmore Jo-Ann

Jo Ann Lauzon-Belmore
Sport: Swimming
Year Inducted: 2010

Jo Ann Lauzon-Belmore was one of the most accomplished and decorated swimmers ever to come from Cornwall.

As a member of the Cornwall Sea Lions, Jo Ann was the first and youngest local swimmer to qualify and compete at the Canadian Championships.

As a 15 year old in 1974, Jo Ann was competing against Canada’s best in the 100m Backstroke ranking as high as 23rd in the country.

She completed the 100M Backstroke in 1:11.8 at the National Championships in Nepean to earn that ranking.

Jo Ann’s journey to that elite level began when the coach of the Sea Lions Swim Club, Jocelyn Fraser spotted the then 8 year old swimming at the YM-YWCA and talked Jo Ann’s parents into allowing her to be a competitive swimmer.

Jack Clifton took over Jo Ann’s coaching and helped guide her to the national level.

From 1969 to 1974, Jo Ann racked up an impressive 21 top 3 finishes in various Provincial Championship events even winning the Top Female at the Canadian YM-YWCA Championships for 15 & Over in Winnipeg in 1974.

Jo Ann set Provincial records in the 400M Freestyle, 50M Butterfly, 50M Backstroke, 100M Backstroke and 200M Backstroke in various age categories. The 400M record stood for eight years!

She was twice named Swimmer of the Year at the Cornwall Lions Club Sports Awards Dinner in 1970 and ’71.

Jo Ann’s competitive career was cut short when, in 1975, she was diagnosed with a debilitating auto immune disease similar to Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The Cornwall Sports Hall of Fame is pleased to induct Jo Ann Lauzon-Belmore as a member of the Class of 2010.