Eldridge Eatman

Eldridge "Gus" Eatman (March 12, 1880 – August 15, 1960) was a Black Canadian sprinter and First World War veteran born in Zealand Station, now known as Zealand, in the province of New Brunswick and lived most of his life in Saint John, where he moved at a young age. During his career as a sprinter, Eatman challenged colour barriers and set multiple records in the early 1900's. In 1906, he was the recipient of the Powderhall Trophy.

Following his death, he has been inducted in the Saint John Sports Hall of Fame, the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, as well as the Maritime Sports Hall of Fame.

Early life and career Eldrige Eatman was born on March 12, 1880 in Zealand Station (now Zealand), a small village located northwest of Fredericton in New Brunswick, Canada, to parents John L. and Jane Eatman. where he grew up and lived most of his life.

During his childhood, Eatman participated in picnic races around Saint John, where his speed garnered him local fame. now known as Exhibition Park, located in Saint John. who was considered to be the first Canadian to complete the 100-yard dash in 10 seconds. While Eatman initially lost the first race due to a false start, he emerged victorious in the rematch. His later years were spent in Saint John, where he had lived for the majority of his life. as well as the Maritime Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. In 2021, the Saint John Theatre Company presented We Were Here, a play depicting Eatman's life events. Additionally, in 2023, Eatman was to be honored in a ceremony at the Canadian Indoor Track & Field Championships, hosted by Athletics Canada and the Saint John Reds Track & Field Club in the Irving Oil Field House in Saint John.