Harold Abrahams

Harold Maurice Abrahams (December 15, 1899 - January 14, 1978) was a British and (English) athlete. Educated at Repton School and then at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge University, he was an Olympic champion in 1924 in the 100-Metre Dash, a feat depicted in the 1981 movie Chariots of Fire.

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Born in Bedford, a sprinter and long jumper since young, he continued to sport while studying in Cambridge, which earned him a spot in the 1920 Olympic team. These Games were no great success; Abrahams was eliminated in the quarter-finals of both the 100 m and 200 m, and he finished 20th in the long jump. As a part of the British relay team, he took fourth place in the 4 x 100 m.

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After dominating the national long jump and sprint events, Abrahams was an outsider for the medals at the 1924 Olympics in Paris, France. He won the 100 m, beating all the American favourites. In the 200 m, he reached the final, in which he ranked sixth and last. As an opening runner for the 4 x 100 m team, Abrahams won a second Olympic medal, a silver one; Abrahams did not compete in the long jump.

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A foot injury forced Abrahams to end his career the following year. He subsequently served as an athletics journalist for forty years, also commentating the sport for the BBC radio.

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Harold Abrahams died in Enfield.

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December 15: December 15 is the 349th day of the year (350th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. There are 16 days remaining....

1899: 1899 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar)....

January 14: January 14 is the 14th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. There are 351 days remaining (352 in leap years). It is celebrated as New Year's Day by those still following the Julian calendar....

Harold Abrahams related Images and Photos (experimental)

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