Arthur Russell (athlete)

Arthur Russell (13 March 1886 – 23 August 1972) was a British athlete. He was the winner of the 3,200-meter steeplechase at the 1908 Summer Olympics for Great Britain.<ref>Template:Cite Sports-Reference</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Biography

Russell, from Staffordshire, won his first AAA title while only 17 years old. He became British national champion after winning the AAA Championships steeplechase event for three successive years from 1904<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> to 1906.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

At the London Olympics,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Russell competed in the 3,200 metres steeplechase. In the first round, he was one of only two athletes in his heat to finish, easily defeating the other runner. Russell made the pace in the final for the first mile. Afterward, Russell and American John Eisele fought for the lead until the bell, when Briton Archie Robertson passed Eisele and was only beaten by two yards by Russell, with Eisele Template:Convert behind.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Russell was a Walsall brick worker who ran for Walsall Harriers. His gold medal is extremely rare as it is made of solid gold, and this was the only time that the 3200-yard event was held.

External links

• Arthur Russell at the British Olympic Committee (Template:Webarchive)
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