Cape Breton has a rich history of track and field dating back to the 1904 olympics. Throughout the years, Cape Breton has time and time again produced some of the best athletes in the world. Despite being small, Cape Breton takes pride in their athletes and the amount of passion they put into the sport. This is reflected by some of our success stories below.
Simon Gillis
Simon Peter Gillis of Margaree Valley put Cape Breton on the map in the track and field stage when he placed 7th at the 1908 London Olympics. Standing at a powerful 6’4 and 240 lbs, he quickly took to the hammer throw and excelled, setting numerous world records and winning national championships.
Athletic Career:
• 1905 and 1908 World Record Holder for 12-lb hammer
• 1904 and 1908 Olympian in hammer throw
• Placed seventh at the London Olympics in 1908
• Qualified for 1912 Olympics
• National Junior Champion of USA, 1906
Joey Mullins
Joey Mullins of Glace Bay has set numerous Nova Scotia and Maritime middle distance running standards. Throughout the mid-fifties, he was also known as the King of the 880-yard run in Canada. Mullins was a member of the 1958 Canadian British Empire Games team and ran for the 1960 Olympic team.
Athletic Career:
• “King of the 880” in Canada through the mid 50’s
• Member of:1958 Canadian British Empire Games Team
• Ran for the 1960 Olympic Team
• Winner of several conferences and US indoor titles
• 1960 Outstanding Athlete, University of Nebraska
• 1956:Established world indoor record for 600 yards
Duncan Gillis
Duncan Gillis of Port Hood moved to Vancouver when he was 19 years old and joined the Vancouver Police Department. In his off-duty hours, he took up the hammer throw. Gillis excelled at this event so much that prior to the 1912 Olympics he defeated the great American Jim Thorpe.
At the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden, Gillis captured the silver medal for the 16-pound hammer throw event. After the Olympics, he took up wrestling and became the Amateur Heavyweight Champion of Canada in 1913.
Athletic Career:
• Carried Flag for 16 Member Cdn 1912 Olympic Team
• 1912 Olympics Silver Medal, 16 Pound Hammer Throw
• 1913 Canadian Amateur Heavyweight Title