Charlie Gunn started race walking shortly after the turn of the 20th century and went on to enjoy a 20-year career, interrupted only by World War I. A railway clerk, he walked for the Railway Clearing House AC throughout his career, but occasionally turned out for Highgate Harriers and Chalvey AC before the war. Strangely, Gunn enjoyed the best part of his career after the War, and a third place in the 1920 AAA 2-mile guaranteed him a place on the Great Britain team in both walks at the Antwerpen Olympics, where he won bronze in the 10 km, at the age of 35. Gunn went one better at the 1921 AAA 2-miles and finished second. He also collected the medal presented to the walker with the best style, and was only the second recipient of the medal which was introduced the previous year. Gunn took part in the AAA 7-mile walk in 1923 at the age of 38, and continued walking competitively into his 40th year. He later became an athletics judge, officiating each year at the Brentwood Hospital Sports. He also served on the committee of the Middlesex AAA.
Personal Bests: 3000W – 13:34.0 (1920); 10kmW – 48:22.0 (1920).
Great Britain