Sid Atkinson
South African athlete
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Sidney James Montford Atkinson (14 March 1901 – 31 August 1977) was a South African athlete, winner of 110 m hurdles at the 1928 Summer Olympics.[3]
Atkinson (left) with teammate George Weightman-Smith at the 1928 Olympics | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | 14 March 1901 |
| Died | 31 August 1977 (aged 76) Durban, South Africa |
| Height | 186 cm (6 ft 1 in) |
| Weight | 76 kg (168 lb) |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Athletics |
Event(s) | 110 m, 400 m hurdles, long jump |
| Achievements and titles | |
| Personal best(s) | 110 mH – 14.7y (1928) 400 mH - 56.5 (1922) LJ – 7.34 m (1925)[1][2] |
Medal record | |
Career
Atkinson came onto the international athletics scene in 1922, when he ran the 110 m hurdles in 15.2 and the 400 m hurdles in 56.5. He was also a notable long jumper.[1]
Atkinson won the British AAA Championships title in the 120 yards hurdles event at the 1924 AAA Championships.[4][5]
At the 1924 Summer Olympics, the favourite for the 110 m hurdles was American George Guthrie, but as the race started, Atkinson and another American Daniel Kinsey got off to a quick start and ran nearly together until the eighth flight when Atkinson edged ahead. Atkinson clipped his toe on the last barrier, giving Kinsey enough of lead to break the tape and win the gold. Guthrie crashed through the barriers behind the two medalists and was disqualified.[1]
Atkinson won the British AAA Championships title in the 120 Yards hurdles event at the 1928 AAA Championships.[6][7][8] Shortly afterwards he represented South Africa at the 1928 Olympic Games in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where he finally gained gold after the disappointment of 1924, beating the world record holder Steve Anderson from the United States into second place.[1]
