Chris Gitsham

Chris Gitsham was a South African long-distance runner who specialised in the marathon. Gitsham was one of three South African athletes to run in the marathon at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, which was infamous for being run in very hot conditions. He led at the half-way point of the race before being caught by the Finnish athlete Tatu Kolehmainen at the 25km mark. The pair ran together for several miles before the Finn dropped out 35 kilometres into the race. Gitsham was then caught by his teammate Ken McArthur, with the two South Africans having a lead of more than a minute over the chasing athletes. A few kilometres from the finish Gitsham stopped to drink, with McArthur pulling away and eventually winning the race, with Gitsham finishing almost a minute behind him to win the silver medal.

At the 1920 Antwerpen Olympics Gitsham again ran in the marathon, training on the course for several weeks prior to the race. He was one of the early leaders of the race, running more than 15 kilometres with the eventual race winner Hannes Kolehmainen. Gitsham, however, was having problems with a leg injury and was forced to withdraw at around 37 kilometres.

Personal Best: Mar – 2-37:14 (1912).