Bob Craig

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameRobert Robertson "Bob"•Craig
Used nameBob•Craig
Born1 September 1881 in Sydney, New South Wales (AUS)
Died5 March 1935 in Petersham, New South Wales (AUS)
AffiliationsBalmain
NOC Australasia
Nationality Australia
Medals OG
Gold 1
Silver 0
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

Bob Craig was an all-around athlete who won eight New South Wales swimming championships between 1899-1906. He also played water polo in the Sydney premiership, and played for the Balmain club that won the 1905 NSW football (association) premiership. He was lauded for heroism at only 15-years-old when, while working at Mort’s Dock, he dove into the waters to attempt to save a dock worker who had fallen into the water. He reached the man and pulled him to shore but he could not be resuscitated. Craig later helped train Barney Kieran, Australia’s first world-class swimmer.

Craig was selected for the Wallabies 1908-09 tour of the British Isles and France. He appeared in 14 of the 38 matches, but did play at the 1908 London Olympics, winning a gold medal. In rugby union he played for the Balmain Tigers. On return to Australia Craig turned professional in rugby league in 1909. He again played for Balmain, helping them to four premiership titles between 1915-19. He eventually played in seven rugby league Tests, and earned 35 caps for Australia. He again toured England in rugby league in 1910-11, making him a dual-code rugby international.

Craig later became secretary of the Balmain Tigers from 1919-22, and also ran a pub in Inverell, New South Wales. In the late 1920s he moved to England, leading the Hull rugby league club, and again ran a pub in Broughton. During the 1930s financial crisis, Craig saw no way out and was admitted to a hospital for treatment of mental illness. While there he took his own life by hanging.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal Nationality As
1908 Summer Olympics Rugby (Rugby) ANZ AUS Bob Craig
Rugby, Men (Olympic) Australasia 1 Gold

Special Notes