Alex and Florence Hurd: The Hurd siblings were synonymous with speed skating in Sudbury and Canada in the 1930s. Born in North Sydney, Nova Scotia, their athletic journey is synonymous with the glory days of outdoor speedskating in Sudbury.
Alex: Born July 21, 1906 in Montreal.
Notable Highlights:
Won silver in the 1,500-m and bronze in the 500-m races at the 1932 Lake Placid Olympics
Won the 1933, 1935 and 1936 North American mass-start Indoor Championships
Set the North American record in the 3,000-m event
Miscellaneous: he was chosen for the 1936 Olympic team in Germany but there was not enough money to send them, due to the Depression. Alex died in Tampa, U.S. on May 28, 1982.
Florence: Born May 6, 1913, Florence is part of that early group of Canadian women who didn’t let the limiting notions of women in sport hold her back. She competed in three speed skating events at the 1932 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, including the 500-, 1,000-, and 1,500-m races. The events were only exhibition or non-medal for women. Women’s speedskating gained full Olympic status in 1960.
Notable highlights:
1935 North American Indoor Champion
Miscellaneous: The Government of Canada has silent news reel footage of the 1946 Canadian speed skating championships at Queen’s Athletic Field. About 15,000 spectators witness the now Florence Hurd McIntrye of the Sudbury Skating Club with other competitors. She passed away in May 1988.