In 1977 Abby was named one of the "50 'makers and breakers in Canadian sport" (2) (along with three other women). She certainly had made some records and broken some rules. Her career as athlete had come to an end but her career as an activist has never ceased. After a short stint teaching at Guelph University, Abby became the first female elected to the Executive Committee on the Canadian Olympic Association, as Director General of Sport Canada. (3) Here she continued her fight for women's equity in sport, following is an excerpt from the newly adopted Policy on Women's Sport: Equality implies that women at all levels of the sport system should have an equal opportunity to participate. Equality is not necessarily meant to imply women wish to participate in the same activities as men, but rather to indicate that activities of their choice should be provided and administered in a fair and unbiased environment... create an environment in which no one is forced into a predetermined role or status because of gender. (2)
After 10 years of dedication with the Olympic association, Abby moved to a position with Health Canada, as Director General in the Women's Health Bureau. Here she takes up a more intimate fight for women, "real gains will only be achieved if... we endeavour to change those conditions beyond sport that limit sport involvement" (2) She was referring to the increase in women in the work force, lower wages, family responsibilities, therefore added stress and decreases in health.
All the while Abby also took part in the IAAF (International Amateur Athletic Federation). (3) She was often a speaker at conferences and became the author of books and articles on "women in sport, high performance sport, athletes’ rights, athletics in developing countries, the campaign against doping." (4) Her efforts here were rewarded, receiving a medal in 1998.
Other acclamations she has received include: Becoming an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1982 and she was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame (5).
References
2. The Girl and the Game: A history of women's sport in Canada by M. Ann Hall
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