W. G. Grace

William Gilbert Grace (July 18 1848–October 23 1915) was an English cricketer who, by his extraordinary skills, made cricket perhaps the first modern spectator sport, and who developed most of the techniques of modern batting.

Athletic abilities

Grace was endowed by nature with a splendid physique as well as with powers of self-restraint and determination. At the apex of his career he stood a full 6ft 2in. (1.88m), and was powerfully proportioned, loose yet strong of limb.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A non-smoker, and very moderate in all matters, he kept himself in condition all year round by shooting, hunting, or running with the beagles as soon as the cricket season was over.

Related Topics:
Shooting - Hunting

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He was also a fine runner, 440yds (400m) over 20 hurdles being his best distance, and it may be quoted as proof of his stamina that on 30 July 1866 he scored 224 not out for England v. Surrey, and two days later won a race in the National and Olympian Association meeting at the Crystal Palace.

Related Topics:
Runner - Hurdles - 30 July - 1866 - England - Surrey - The Crystal Palace

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~