Documentary shines spotlight on local track and field legend

By Sam Leishman - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on March 4, 2025.

Athletics and inspiration run deep in Jasper Lowe’s family, themes he hopes to bring to the viewers of his documentary, Survival of the Fittest.
Lowe is the grandson of Lethbridge’s legendary track and field coach, George Gemer, who is the central figure of the hour long film. Carole Gemer, Lowe’s grandmother, was coached by George before they wed. She also started the Westwinds Gymnastics Club and attended multiple professional competitions, including two Olympics as the national track and field team manager, before she passed away in 2016 at the age of 71. Lowe’s mother, Tara Gemer, and his father, Mark Lowe, have participated in CrossFit competitions in recent years, as well, after being introduced to the sport by Lowe himself.
Lowe says he started working on the film with his dad about a year ago, diving deep into Gemer’s life and legacy.
According to a Herald article from Oct. 28, 1996, Gemer volunteered for military service at the age of 17 after his brother was killed in a Soviet bombing on his family’s home near Budapest. During the last day of the Second World War, Gemer was captured and spent the next six years in a prisoner of war camp, where he faced starvation, frigid temperatures and brutal physical labour. He escaped to Austria with hundreds of others on Nov. 9, 1956. Gemer was among 33,000 Hungarians that migrated to Canada at that time.
Lowe says Gemer dreamed of being a track and field athlete prior to the war, but turned his attention to coaching when he landed here in Lethbridge. Gemer coached for the University of Lethbridge for 47 years and he attended five Olympics as an observer coach, according to another Herald article from May 19, 2023.
Gemer is also credited by the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame for establishing a number of track and field organizations, including the Lethbridge Track and Field Club. He is highly regarded at an international level for his multitude of contributions.
Lowe fondly remembers listening to many of his grandfather’s stories while sitting around the dinner table as a kid. He’s thrilled to be able to share them with a wider audience through this documentary project. “He’s inspired so many people over his life,” Lowe told the Herald. “It’s never too late to chase your dreams. There’s not really a limit on what you can do if you put your mind to it and stay active and healthy.”
Lowe adds that while Gemer is certainly slowing down as he’s nearing 98-years old, it’s nice to see his youthful excitement return for the film.
The Yates Memorial Theatre will be hosting the premiere of Survival of the Fittest on Mar. 8 at 7pm. Tickets are available online. Those attending are encouraged to stick around after the premiere to celebrate Gemer’s birthday.

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