The Great British Olympic Battle Royale

ATHLETICS

For many, the highlight of the Olympics is the track and field events. Throwing, jumping, sprinting, very fast walking – there is something for everyone.

GB has won medals in 41 different track and field disciplines and has won at least one athletics medal at every modern Olympics.

One of the earliest solo female medallists, Dorothy Manley (pictured below, number 691), came second in the 100m at the 1948 Olympic Games.

London has dominated with 13 gold, 23.75 silver and 17.4 bronze medals. However, the South West won the most medals in hurdles events, while the North West won four of 13 Team GB steeplechase medals.

Team GB’s Chef de Mission, Mark England, said:

“As a Welshman whose name is England and who has worked and lived in Scotland, I probably understand the nuances of our nations and regions more than anyone on the team! It’s fantastic, when you look at the spread of medals and locations, as it gives us a really clear picture of the richness of Team GB and the contributions that come from all four corners of the nation.

“Some athletes are just synonymous with where they are from, and I think the regional pride they generate through their performances is one of the great aspects of the Olympic Games. Everyone knows where their local London 2012 gold post-box is, don’t they?”

Team GB athletes born overseas have also seen great success in the athletics. The most successful of all, Mo Farah, was born in Mogadishu and won four gold medals (2012 and 2016).

Dr Jenny Macleod from Hull University said: “Team GB has always been cosmopolitan and competitors have family roots from across the world.

“The very first black British Olympic medallist – a man called Harry Edward – competed in the 100 metres in 1920 and won a bronze medal.

“He actually grew up in in Germany and was interned during the war because he was British. Then he moved to the UK after the war and competed as a sprinter. So he was a real trailblazer for athletes of colour who’ve been so successful ever since.”