Torchy Peden

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameWilliam John "Torchy"•Peden
Used nameTorchy•Peden
Born16 April 1906 in Victoria, British Columbia (CAN)
Died26 January 1980 in Northbrook, Illinois (USA)
NOC Canada

Biography

William Peden, known as Torchy because of his red hair, was one of the early greats of Canadian cycling. He turned professional after the 1928 Olympics, and became known as a six-day racer. In his first four years he won 24 of the 48 six-days events he entered. Apart from his victories, Peden was also known for his antics during the race, often interacting with his audience. Between 1929 and 1948 he competed in 148 6-day races, winning 38 of them. He won five Canadian amateur championships in 1929 before turning pro. Peden returned to the Olympics as a coach of the Canadian cyclists. He later settled in the United States, where he worked in cycling administration and ran a Chicago sporting goods store. He is a member of the Canadian, British Columbia, and Greater Victoria Sports Halls of Fame.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1928 Summer Olympics Cycling Road (Cycling) CAN Torchy Peden
Road Race, Individual, Men (Olympic) 63
Road Race, Team, Men (Olympic) Canada 14
Cycling Track (Cycling) CAN Torchy Peden
Team Pursuit, 4,000 metres, Men (Olympic) Canada =5

Olympic family relations