William Whyte

During the 1920s and 1930s Australian middle-distance runner William “Tickle” Whyte won multiple state titles in the 880 yards and mile. Whyte was selected to compete at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics where he finished ninth in the final of the 1,500 metres. Despite strong performances, including winning the Australian mile title, he was originally omitted from the national team that was named to compete at the 1930 British Empire Games in Hamilton, Canada. He got his chance to participate after Jimmy Carlton withdrew before the Games, with Whyte going on to win silver in the mile. During World War II he fought in the Western Desert campaign, where he was wounded with a gunshot wound to his right shoulder.

Personal Bests: 800 – 1:55.3y (1926); 1500 – 3:59.9e (1928).