Ferd Hayward

Ferd Hayward, born on August 21, 1911, in St. John's, Newfoundland, was a distinguished Canadian athlete known for his prowess in both short- and long-distance walking. His athletic journey reached a pinnacle in 1952 when he proudly represented the Canadian national team at the Olympic Games held in Helsinki, Finland.

Throughout his career, Hayward set remarkable records in Newfoundland, holding the titles for one-mile, ten-mile, and twenty-mile distance walking. His dedication to the sport was evident as he competed in numerous North American events, where he achieved notable success, including a Gold Medal at the United States National Kilometre Walking Championship in Baltimore.

In recognition of his contributions to athletics, Hayward was one of the inaugural inductees into the Sport Newfoundland and Labrador Hall of Fame on April 27, 1974. He was also honored as the first recipient of the Newfoundland Athlete of the Year award in 1951, a testament to his exceptional talent and commitment to the sport. In his memory, the provincial senior male athlete of the year is awarded the Ferd Memorial plaque.

In a fitting tribute to his legacy, Hayward had the honor of carrying the torch during the preparations for the Calgary Winter Olympics in 1988, symbolizing the spirit of athletic excellence that he embodied throughout his life.