Category
Athlete
Sport
Athletics
Hometown
Plaster Rock
Year Inducted
1981
athlete
Sigurd Nielsen (D)
HONOURED MEMBER
Biography
He contends that rugby was his “best sport”; but “Sig” Nielsen of Plaster Rock is presented here because of his prowess as a national and international class sprinter. He began his career in a small school track meet, and this was the first step in a series of challenges that ended with the 1938 British Empire Games in Australia.In between were the inevitable injuries, disappointments and exhilarating performances, including a 9.6 second record-tying 100 yard sprint – a record that stood the test of some 20 years in Canada. From flying spitfires to playing wing three-quarter to covering first base, he performed with vim and speed; but what else would one expect from a man who was, at one time, the fastest sprinter on the cinder tracks of Canada and the Commonwealth. Enrolled in the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, May 30, 1981
Quick Facts
At the age of 15, won the 100 yard, 220 yard, 440 yard sprints broad jump and high jump at the Victoria County High School Track Meet in 1932
Won 100 yard and 220 yard at Mount Allison University Interclass Meet in 1936
Played for Mt. A University rugby team in 1935
Won 100 yard and 220 yard events at Maritime championships in 1937
Won the 100 yard heat at the 1938 British Empire Games
Equaled a Canadian record for the 100 yard that stood for 20 years