Ernest Haley

After winning the 100 y at the 1907 University of London Championships Ernest Haley developed into one of Britain’s leading sprinters. At the 1909 AAA Championships he placed third in the 220 y and fifth in the 100 y. In 1910 he improved to take second place in the 220 y, in 1913 he finished third in the 440y, but in 1914 he was eliminated in the heats of both the 440 y flat and hurdles. In 1911 he placed third in the 220 y at the Festival of Empire Meeting at Crystal Palace, which was the forerunner of the British Empire (Commonwealth) Games. Haley served as a Sergeant Instructor with the Army Gym Staff in 1914-18, and worked hard to revive the activities of the Herne Hill Harriers after the war. He served as President of the club in 1923-24 and in 1924 he was one of the founding members of the English Schools Athletics Association. As a schoolmaster, he used the long summer holidays to attend major meetings abroad. He was present at the 1928 and 1936 Olympics and at the 1930 British Empire Games in Canada, he was recruited from the ranks of the spectators to represent England at bowls. He died soon after celebrating his 90th birthday.

Personal Bests: 100y – 10.2 (1909-11); 100 – 11.2 (1909); 200 – 22.3e (1912); 440y – 49.8 (1913); 440yH – 1:01.0e (1914).