Gerald Hutchings, from Bell Island, was one of the greatest track&field athletes of his time. He was dominating force in Provincial Track and Field Championships for 11 years. He was equally impressive in running&jumping. He was the star leader for a series of powerful Bell Island teams the did exceptionally well against the best the remainder of the province, and the US military bases at Pepperell and Argentia had to offer. He established records for five separate junior events, including the 440 yard run, 880 yard run, and long jump, triple jump and the Bell Island team. At the 1941 Track and Field Championships he displayed the highlights of his brilliant career. Gerald Hutchings won the 220 yard, 440 yard, 880 yard, one mile run, pole vault, long jump, triple jump and a member of the winning Bell Island team. His eight first place finished were a track&field record. On August 15, 1947, he set the Newfoundland record for the long jump with a jump of 21 feet, 3 ½ inches. In all, Gerald Hutchings finished his track&field career with in excess of 250 medals and cups in track&field competition.
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