Jack Parker

Jack Parker gained an interest in the hurdles as a schoolboy, but World War II interrupted his early development in the sport and he did not begin competing seriously until after the conflict. He won his first British national title in the 120 yards hurdles in 1951 and, the following year, was selected to represent his country in the 110 metres hurdles at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, where he was eliminated in the semi-finals. He was also a reserve with the 4x100 metres relay, but did not take part.

After winning another national title in 1953, Parker was chosen to represent Great Britain at the European Championships, where he took silver in the hurdles behind Yevgeny Bulanchik of the Soviet Union. He also represented England in the hurdles at that year’s British Empire and Commonwealth Games, but just missed the podium in fourth. He won his final national title in 1955 and then competed at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, where he was eliminated in round one of the hurdles and was again a non-competing reserve with the 4x100 metres relay. By then, he was focusing on his career in construction and he therefore retired from active competition shortly thereafter.

Personal Best: 110H – 14.3 (1955).