Raised on the Toronto Islands, Ned Hanlan became a World Champion sculler in 1880. He is one of Canada's most loved sports heroes of all time. To honour his achievements, the City of Toronto erected a monument to Ned Hanlan carved by famed sculptor Emanuel Hahn in 1926. Formerly on the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition, this monument has been relocated to the site that bears his family name. Please join the City of Toronto and the Toronto Island community in welcoming Ned home.

BACKGROUND INFO:

NED HANLAN, CANADIAN SPORTS HERO, ROWING

• 1855, July 12 th , Edward Hanlan is born in Toronto. He is raised on the Island where his father is a fisherman and later a hotel keeper. Young Hanlan learns to row on the waters of the bay.
• 1876, Hanlan begins using a new invention, the sliding seat. As compared to the traditional method of fixed seat rowing, this allows the 5 foot 8 inch, 150 pound Hanlan to use his legs to a much greater extent, get a much greater angle of motion with his oars in the water, and develop more power. With the sliding seat, he starts to dominate local regattas.
• 1880, Hanlan, already Champion of America and Champion of England, trounces the current champ, Edward Trickett of Australia to become World Champion. As much as 100,000 pounds in British currency is bet on the losing Trickett, a staggering sum for the time. 1880, the whimsical Hanlan's Hotel on the island is built.
• 1884, after defending his world title six times successfully, Hanlan finally loses it to William Beach of Australia. To honour the sportsmanship and prowess of the mighty Canadian rower, the Australians name a community in New South Wales, "Toronto".
• 1898 to 1899, Hanlan serves as Alderman for the City of Toronto.
• 1908, January 4th , Ned Hanlan dies of pneumonia, age 52. Ten thousand Torontonians view his body as it lies in state in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.

1926, EMANUEL HAHN, ARTIST, NED HANLAN MONUMENT

• Born on May 30, 1881 in Württemberg, Germany, Emanuel Hahn moved to Canada and became a member of the Ontario Society of Artists. He worked as a sculptural designer and then as a modelling instructor at the Ontario College of Art. Hahn designed several monuments, medals, and Canadian coins. By 1930 he was known as the most advanced and adventurous sculptor working in Canada. Hahn died in 1957.