WF Hayward

Achievements:

• Bermuda's First Olympic Team Member (1936): Represented Bermuda in swimming at the Berlin Olympics.

• Bermuda Olympic Association President (1960-1972): Served as the second president, significantly contributing to the island's Olympic involvement.

• Olympic Flag Bearer: Carried Bermuda’s flag at multiple Olympic Games: London (1948), Helsinki (1952), Rome (1960), Tokyo (1964), and Mexico City (1968).

• Instrumental in Bermuda's Return to the Olympics Post-WWII: Ensured Bermuda's continued participation in the Olympics after the war.

• BOA Formation: Along with Sir Howard Trott, he was pivotal in the formation of the Bermuda Olympic Committee in 1935.

• Pan American Sports Organization Treasurer: Persuaded the Central American and Caribbean Games to allow Bermuda's entry, significantly impacting Bermuda’s medal count in the CAC Games.

• Prix de la Reconnaissance Recipient (1973): Awarded by the IOC for his contributions to the development of sport in Bermuda and internationally.

• IOC Centennial Recognition (1996): Honored by the International Olympic Committee for his contributions to sports.

Biography:

Whitfield Frederick 'Chummy' Hayward, often hailed as the 'father' of Bermuda's Olympic movement, has a legacy that will never fade. As a young man, Hayward immersed himself in various sports, from baseball and boxing to rugby and water polo. While many remember him as a swimmer on Bermuda's inaugural Olympic team in 1936, Hayward's true athletic prowess shone on the cricket pitch.

John Hoskins, President of the Bermuda Olympic Association (BOA), remarked on Hayward's instrumental role in the formation of the Bermuda Olympic Committee, alongside Sir Howard Trott, in 1935. "It's through his foresight that we partook in the Olympics in Berlin," Hoskins noted. Hayward's dedication ensured that Bermuda's Olympic flame continued to burn brightly, even after World War II.

Hayward committed to attending every Olympics he could, carrying Bermuda's flag in numerous Games, including London (1948), Helsinki (1952), Rome (1960), Tokyo (1964), and Mexico City (1968). His tenure as BOA President from 1960 to 1972 saw many foundational developments in Bermuda’s sports infrastructure. Beyond the Olympics, Hayward was a past president of the Bermuda Amateur Athletic Union and an original member of the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control. His groundwork contributed to Bermuda’s success in various international sporting festivals, including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Pan Am Games, and CAC Games.

One of his notable contributions was securing the last-minute finances to send the Big Blue Machine to the 1978 CAC Games, where Bermuda won its only team gold medal at a major sporting festival. His most cherished achievement was his role as treasurer of the Pan American Sports Organization, where he successfully lobbied for Bermuda’s inclusion in the Central American and Caribbean Games.

Hayward’s influence extended beyond Bermuda. He arranged numerous sporting exchanges between Bermuda and other countries, fostering goodwill and competitive spirit. Rudolph Moultrie, Vice President of the Bahamas Olympic Association, praised Hayward's efforts in starting sports exchanges between Bermuda and the Bahamas, strengthening the bonds between the two nations.

In 1973, Hayward was one of three recipients of the Prix de la Reconnaissance from the IOC, honoring his contributions to sports development both locally and internationally. In 1996, the IOC recognized Hayward’s contributions as part of their Centennial celebrations.

Hayward dreamed of establishing a Sports Hall of Fame to honor Bermuda’s athletes. Announcing his plans, he stated: "I've always dreamed of leaving something for the sportsmen - men and women - who have achieved the goals set by themselves and their country."

Legacy:

Whitfield Frederick 'Chummy' Hayward's legacy is one of tireless dedication and profound impact on Bermuda's sporting landscape. His efforts in establishing and nurturing Bermuda's participation in international sports have left an indelible mark. His vision for a Sports Hall of Fame continues to inspire, ensuring that the achievements of Bermuda’s athletes are celebrated and remembered for generations to come.

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