Graham was born in Winnipeg Manitoba in 1972. His family moved to Burlington when he was a youngster. He was a keen athlete and soon developed an interest in soccer and track. He attended Nelson High School where he joined the track team. As well, he became a member of the Burlington Legion Track Club.
At an early age, Graham showed great promise in track. He was a talented runner who combined his natural athletic ability with determination, courage, and willingness to work hard. While competing at Nelson, Graham won numerous Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association (OFSAA) medals at the midget, junior and senior levels.
His successes at OFSAA and at the Club level attracted numerous scholarship offers from major track programs in America. He selected the University of Arkansas, a recognized powerhouse in track and cross-country. While at Arkansas he claimed numerous individual and team awards. In 1994 he was named the most outstanding collegiate athlete at the Penn Relays and won the NCAA 1500 metre individual championship. As well Graham was a major contributor to the Razorbacks winning multiple NCAA titles in cross-country, indoor and outdoor track.
Graham represented Canada in two Olympic Games: 1992 (Barcelona); 1996 (Atlanta). Graham’s specialty was the 1500 metres. In 1997 he broke the Canadian record in the 1500 metre with a time of 3:33:93 and held the record for three years. And to this, he still holds the second-fastest time ever run by a Canadian in the 1500 metre. Arguably among his most memorable moments, was his return to Winnipeg- his place of birth - for the 1999 Pan American Games where he captured gold in the 1500 metre.
Highlights of Graham’s Career:
* Two time Olympian (1992 and 1996)
* Former Canadian National Record Holder in the 1000m and 1500m
* 1989 Pan Am Junior Championships – Argentina – Silver - 1500m
* 1991 Pan Am Junior Championships – Jamaica – Gold – 1500m & 800m
* 1992 Olympics – Barcelona Spain – 9th place in 1500m
* 1996 Olympics – Atlanta U.S.A. – Injured and unable to finish
* 1997 World Outdoor Championships – Athens Greece – 7th in 1500m
* 1999 Pan American Games in hometown Winnipeg – 1st in 1500m
* 2002 Commonwealth Games – Manchester England – 5th – 1500m
* 2014 Inducted into the Arkansas University Sports Hall of Fame
Graham Hood is a “competitor for life”. He has recently been competing in a number of triathlons – and winning. This year he will be inducted into the Ontario Track and Field Hall of Fame. For his accomplishments, both national and internationally, the Burlington Sports Hall of Fame is proud to induct Graham Hood.