It is with great sadness that we share the news that track and field throwing legend Bruce Pirnie, passed away on Thursday, August 8th 2024.
Please take a moment to read his obituary from his family
Bruce has been a legend in the world of Athletics for years with decades of experience spent working with athletes and coaches ranging from grassroots development to provincial teams, all the way up to international high performance and National teams.
As an athlete, Bruce competed at the 1972 Munich Olympics, as well as the 1976 Montreal Olympics and was a team captain at both Games. He won a Bronze medal at the 1974 Commonwealth Games, and secured Gold at the Pan AM Games in Mexico City in 1975. He set a Canadian record in 1975 with his best throw of 19.88m. He later went on to serve as an athlete rep on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Track and Field Association.
His outstanding performances in athletics earned him a spot in the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in the induction class of 1987.
Bruce continued his athletic journey, shifting gears to become a coach, impacting athletes both within Manitoba and throughout the country.
He was a member of the University of Manitoba coaching staff from 1984 through 1998. He was the personal coach of the Men’s CIAU Shot Put Champion 9 years in a row, from 1986 through 1994 and served as the Head Coach of the program for 3 years during the Bison “Dynasty” era, which saw the program win seven Canada West and CIAU (U Sport) titles in nine years (between 1988-96). Bruce was named CIAU Track and Field Coach of the Year twice and also held the role President of the CIAU Track and Field Coaches Association.
Bruce returned to the Bisons program again in 2010 onward as an assistant coach and was recognized in 2015 as the recipient of the Pat Gill Legacy Award for Outstanding service to Bison Sports.
In addition to all of his work with the University program, many of us will always remember the incredible Legends of the Plains throwing competition that for years, brought together the best of the best to compete in Manitoba.
In 1999 Bruce became the Director of the National Coaching Institute in Manitoba, a role he held until 2004. In 2004 he became a Director of Development Team Programs for Athletics Canada, responsible for Youth and Junior national team development programs. In 2007 he became Athletics Canada’s Paralympic Head Coach. Throughout 2004-2009 Bruce was a member of and led numerous National Team coaching staffs, representing Canada at International competitions around the world and supporting athletes from across the country.
Even once Bruce had “retired” from coaching and relocated out to Gimli, MB he couldn’t help but install throwing circles in his yard, continuing to support local high school coaches and their athletes, always working to help develop and build the Manitoba throws community.
And while it’s clear that Bruce’s impact in Manitoba was incredible, his time with Athletics Canada helps to exemplify how his influence extended well beyond provincial/territorial borders. His passion and commitment to Athletics truly extended and was felt, coast to coast to coast across the country. He provided support, encouragement and guidance to coaches, championed paralympic opportunities, and built avenues for development that remain today.
The role he played in shaping the current Canadian throwing community can never be understated. He truly helped lay the groundwork that has supported a generation of Canadian coaches and athletes.
That he knew our two Canadian athletes Ethan and Camryn won Gold in Hammer at the 2024 Paris Olympics is nothing short of beautiful.
Bruce, you were truly one of a kind and our hearts go out to your community of family and friends. You will be missed, but your legend will live on.
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