Britain’s greatest track sprinter prior to the arrival of Chris Hoy, Reg Harris won a total of five world sprint titles. His first came as an amateur in 1947. Recovering from a broken arm, he “only” won two silver medals (sprint and tandem) at the 1948 London Olympics prior to becoming a professional. In 1949, he became the first person to win a professional sprint title at his first attempt since the title was introduced, retaining his crown in 1950 and 1951. He again won the championship in 1954, while earning medals in 1953 and 1956. Harris also won the Grand Prix de Paris in 1956. Retiring in 1957, Harris returned to the sport in the 1970s, notably winning the 1974 British sprint title, at age 54.
Great Britain