Category: Athlete-Builder

Inducted: Thursday, July 12, 2007

A track and field career that featured great speed in dash races at every level had Dave “Snowy” Carroll elected to the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame.

It was a natural talent, well supported by great personal determination and a well-earned confidence that allowed Dave Carroll to stand out, against all opposition, in the 100-yards dash, the 220-yards dash and the 440-yards run.

This combination had him win between 90 and 100 separate races while losing only four times. He was the top sprinter of his era and ranks with the best the province has ever produced.

He broke into provincial championship competition in 1961, winning the 100-yards dash in 10.4 seconds, the 220 yards dash in 25 seconds and adding first place in the 440 yards run. This showing resulted in his selection to the Newfoundland team for the annual national track meet at Toronto’s Canadian National Exhibition.

Undefeated in every sprint between 1965 and 1969, Dave Carroll’s biggest achievement came with 100 and 220 wins over Bill MacKinnon in 1966. MacKinnon was the gold medallist at the 1969 Canada Summer Games.

His 9.7 seconds for the 100, 22.6 seconds for the 220 and 49.5 seconds for the 440 remain unmatched after nearly 30 years. He shares with fellow Hall of Famer Gerry Halley the distinction of being the only Newfoundlanders to break ten seconds for 100 yards.

Included in his lengthy and valuable contributions to athletics is the leadership that resulted in the Athletics Hall of Fame being established. He served as its first chair for two years.

In recognition of his great running accomplishments, Dave “Snowy” Carroll was inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame November 7, 1992.