Harry Edward, Britain's first black Olympic medallist, inducted into England Athletics Hall of Fame

Full text

Edward and Mo Farah among those to be inducted

Sonia Lannaman and Shirley Strong also honoured

Britain’s first black Olympic medal winner Harry Edward is to be inducted into the England Athletics Hall of Fame. Edward will join the likes of Mo Farah, former sprinter Sonia Lannaman and medal-winning hurdler Shirley Strong, who will all be honoured at a ceremony in Birmingham in November. Edward’s citation includes the tribute: “A true citizen of the world and a pioneer of British sport, England Athletics is proud and humbled to induct Britain’s first black Olympic medallist into the Hall of Fame.”

Edward was until recent years a forgotten hero of the 1920s, a decade that saw him win two bronze edals, in the 100m and 200m, at the 1920 Antwerp Olympics. He was also three times the AAA 100yd and 220yd champion and won the 100, 220 and 440-yard AAA championships in 1922, inside a single hour. King George V came down from the stands to personally congratulate him.

Continue reading...