Mark Weston (athlete)
British track and field athlete
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mark Edward Louis Weston[1] (born Mary Edith Louise Weston, 30 March 1905 – 29 January 1978), nicknamed "the Devonshire Wonder", was a British field athlete in women's competitions who participated during the 1920s. Weston was a national champion in the women's javelin throw and discus throw in 1929 and won the women's shot put title in 1925, 1928 and 1929.[2] Weston also finished sixth, at the 1926 Women's World Games, in the two-handed shot put, where the final result was a sum of two best throws with the right hand and with the left hand.[3] Weston was born with atypical genitals due to a disorder of sex development (DSD), was assigned female at birth and raised as a girl.[4] In April and May 1936, Weston underwent a series of corrective surgeries at the Charing Cross Hospital.[5][6]
| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Women's Athletics | ||
Representing  England | ||
| Women's World Games |
Born in Oreston, Weston worked in a clothing factory after leaving school and then as a nurse, which lead to him pursuing a career in massage and earning a diploma. He became interested in amateur athletics in 1924, taking part until 1930. Weston explained in an interview that his studies into anatomy led to him questioning his gender in 1930.[7][8]
After surgery, Weston changed his first name to Mark, retired from competitions, and returned to work as a masseur.[5][6] In July 1936, Weston married Alberta Matilda Bray, and they had three children.[4]
His elder sibling Harry (previously known as Hilda) also changed his gender presentation and name in the 1930s. Harry died by suicide by hanging while suffering from depression in 1942.[6][failed verification]
Weston died in the Freedom Fields Hospital in Plymouth in 1978.[4]
Gallery
Weston in 1936 (colorized)
Weston with his wife Alberta Matilda Bray in 1936 (colorized)
Weston with his wife and a friend in 1936 (colorized)
