Guy Holdaway

After placing fourth in the AAA 4 miles in 1905, Guy Holdaway finished third in the steeplechase in 1906 when he was a Polytechnic Harriers runner after two successful seasons with Isledon Harriers. He also finished third in the 3 miles at the 1906 Essex Championship behind two other future Olympians Fred Hulford and Arthur Robertson. At the 1908 Olympics, he easily won his heat, and placed fourth in the final.

After the Olympics Holdaway joined the Aldershot Ecelsior Club as he worked in the Hampshire town. A fine footballer, as well as athlete, he played for the local team, Aldershot Town and was also a Hampshire County player. After emigrating to Australia Holdaway took up Australian Rules football in 1916 and played for the local team New England and then North Sydney.

He was also involved in local swimming and his daughter Lettie was a junior champion. His first job in Australia was with a news agency and in 1926 he purchased an established news agency and stationers business. Sadly, Holdaway’s wife died in 1945 and he outlived her by 28 years before passing away in his adopted homeland in 1973.

Personal Best: 5000 – 15:37.8 (1907).