Sporting activity in Victoria, as elsewhere, was sidelined by the global turmoil of World War II. Athletes, both men and women, joined the services and athletic careers were cut short by the cancellation of major international and national competitions. Nonetheless, by the end of the decade life was returning to normal and Victoria was proud of Eddie Haddad, an outstanding amateur boxer who lost only two bouts in 49 fights. He represented Canada in the quarterfinals of the 1948 Olympics and won a bronze medal in the 1950 British Empire Games in New Zealand.