His adult height of 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) brought him the nickname "Shorty", but he commenced his sporting career in basketball before joining Hamilton's Leander Rowing Club.

At the age of 19 he received a commendation from the Governor General of Canada for rescuing and reviving a young boy who had fallen into the waters of Burlington Bay.

Prior to the race the team was out practising when a spectator boat came too close to the rowing shell, and one of its occupants was hit and injured by an oar.

The team finished fourth and left Germany immediately with the assistance of Olympic officials, who had concerns about the outcome of the proposed enquiry.

MacDonald served in the armed forces during World War II, and spent some time in London where he worked in bomb disposal.