Peter Allday

Peter Allday took up hammer throwing while serving in Palestine with the Paras at the end of World War II and, despite weighing just 70 kg, went on to become one of Britain’s best post-war hammer throwers. He threw 50 metres for the first time in 1950, when he also won the first of two Inter-Counties titles (winning again in 1951), and the first of seven Southern Area titles (winning also in 1951, 1953-55, 1958 and 1962). Despite finishing third in the AAA Championship in 1951 and 1952, and second in 1953, he had to wait until 1956 to win his one and only title.

Internationally, Allday competed at the 1952 and 1956 Olympics, and 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games (representing England) before winning his only major medal, a bronze, at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff. Allday represented Great Britain in 14 internationals between 1952-62, and was a founder member of The Hammer Circle (The Association of British Hammer Throwers, Coaches and Supporters) in 1952.

His former wife Suzanne, was one of Britain’s finest female discus throwers and shot putters, and competed in three Olympics 1952-60.

Personal Best: HT – 59.61 (1956).