Home|Sports|‘Hawk’ Finlayson passes awaySports
Sheldon LongleySend an emailSeptember 25, 2023 110 4 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email
Noted track and field historian Alpheus “Hawk” Finlayson has passed, succumbing at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) at the age of 76 on Friday.
Finlayson, a former president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) and former council member of the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF), now World Athletics, will go down as one of the more respected persons in the history of track and field in The Bahamas.
In addition to his administrative duties, he is a former athlete and coach, author and talk show host, bringing The Bahamas and the world closer to track and field.
His passing comes just two weeks after the passing of his wife Dawn, and a day before her burial.
Finlayson was one of the longest-serving presidents of the BAAA, serving from 1989 to 1997. He served during a time when The Bahamas won its first Olympic medal in track and field – bronze from Frank Rutherford in the men’s triple jump in 1992; and first world outdoor championships medal – bronze in the women’s 100 meters (m) from Savatheda Fynes in 1995.
He is also a former vice president of the North, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC). Current NACAC President Mike Sands said it’s because of Finlayson’s breakthrough in sports administration why he was able to ascend to greater heights regionally and globally.
“Hawk was able to show that we have great administrators, sitting on the IAAF Council, now World Athletics. That is no small feat when one considers the extensive campaigning that would have done, moving all over the world. There are 200-plus countries under World Athletics, and whereas he might now have been able to visit all of them, he traveled to quite a number of them and that is what made him so successful. He is well known and well loved. He had that personal touch and that was the strength,” said Sands.
Finlayson made history, becoming the first Bahamian to be elected to the IAAF Council, and is the only Bahamian to attend every world outdoor championships from 1983 in Helsinki, Finland, to 2017 in London, England.
“I’m really saddened by this loss, and many others are saddened, not just locally but regionally and globally as well,” said Sands. “Hawk singularly put The Bahamas on the world stage from a sports administrative perspective. He is the first Bahamian to sit on the council of World Athletics, and so he carried the flag around the world with pride and his trademark hat. You knew him by his trademark hat. He wore it everywhere. He is well loved and well respected by the track and field community worldwide. He will be truly missed. Personally, as a friend and from a perspective of being an advisor and mentor to myself, I cherish the many years we shared together. I appreciate the sound advice he gave me. It’s a great personal loss for me and for many others as well and I extend deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
BAAA President Drumeco Archer also offered words of condolence over the weekend.
“The loss of such an iconic figure in the world of sports and a beloved family man is an irreplaceable void in our hearts and the global community,” said Archer. “Hawk Finlayson was not just a name, he was a global icon and a household name. His unwavering dedication to the world of sports knew no bounds. He was a walking encyclopedia of statistics, effortlessly recalling details that left the rest of us in awe. His knowledge of the sport was unmatched, and he had an unparalleled ability to remember even the smallest of details, leaving an indelible mark on the world of athletics.
“His departure is a poignant reminder that the archive of his brilliant mind is now gone, but his legacy will continue to shine brightly in the annals of sports history. Beyond his remarkable achievements in the sporting world, he was a brother to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His genuine warmth and unwavering support for others made him a true family man, extending his love and kindness to the far reaches of the globe.
“The world knew Hawk Finlayson as a man of his word. When he said he supported you, he meant it wholeheartedly. His support was not just a casual gesture; it was a testament to his character, reflecting his commitment to uplifting others in the pursuit of their dreams.”
As a writer, Finlayson’s prized possession was his book ‘From Vancouver to Athens – 50 Years of Bahamian International Track and Field Competition’.
For 10 years, from 2013 to 2023, he hosted his own radio show ‘Track World with Alpheus Finlayson’ on Guardian Radio 96.9FM – the only weekly radio show dedicated solely to track and field in The Bahamas and the Caribbean region.
“Beyond his contributions to the sports world, Hawk was a prolific writer and talk show host, sharing his wisdom and insights with audiences around the world. His words resonated deeply with all who had the privilege of listening to him, leaving a lasting impact that will be cherished for generations to come,” said Archer.
“In this time of immense sorrow, we can find solace in knowing that Hawk Finlayson’s love of family was indeed a true love story. As we mourn the loss of Hawk Finlayson, may you find strength in the love and support of family and friends who share in your grief. His memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all those whose lives he touched, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and sports enthusiasts.”
For his work in athletics, Finlayson was inducted into The Bahamas’ National Sports Hall of Fame.
Finlayson is survived by his daughter Alexis, son-in-law Khalil, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
The Nassau Guardian offers deepest condolences to the family and friends of Finlayson.