Jack “of diamond’s” Guest Olympic Rower

Jack “of Diamonds” Guest: Olympic Rower and Canadian Sports Legend

On a cold walk through St. George’s Church on-the-Hill Cemetery in Etobicoke, I discovered the grave of Jack Guest, one of Canada’s great rowing pioneers — known affectionately as “Jack of Diamonds.”

Jack was talented enough to compete in the prestigious Diamond Sculls event at the annual Henley Royal Regatta in England — the pinnacle of competitive rowing at the time. It was at Henley that he met fellow Canadian rower Joe Wright Jr., and together they formed a formidable double sculls crew.

Their partnership led them to the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, where they represented Canada with distinction. In a fiercely competitive final, they narrowly missed gold, finishing just behind the Americans and claiming the silver medal — a proud moment in Canadian rowing history.

Following his competitive career, Jack Guest continued to be recognized for his contributions to the sport. He was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 1955, cementing his legacy. In his honour, Rowing Canada created the Jack Guest Award, given annually to the junior single sculler of the year — a fitting tribute to a man who inspired the next generation of rowers.

John “Jack” Guest passed away in Toronto on June 12, 1972, at the age of 66. Though perhaps not as widely known today, his achievements on the water and his contributions to Canadian sport deserve to be remembered.

1906-1972