If the event was track and field and the era was the 1930’s, then the name at the top of the medal list was more often than not, Earl Ryan. A champion in the pole vault and broad jump, Ryan thrilled Nova Scotians with his prowess in the hop step and jump, as he was Canadian champion in 1932.

Ryan went on to capture the Maritime championship in broad jump and the pole vault in 1933, while setting a new record for the broad jump in 1934 and 1935. His record of 22 feet, 9 inches stood for 25 years. He was also an accomplished tennis player, golfer, and curler. Earl Ryan was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 1988.