Although Sidney Robinson won a full set of medals at the 1900 Olympics, his silver and bronze in the two steeplechase events probably represented greater achievements than his gold medal in the 5,000 metre team race, in which he only finished sixth individually in a field of ten. At the turn of the century Sidney Robinson and his two Olympic team-mates Jack Rimmer and Charles Bennett were the best distance runners in Britain. Robinson, who represented the Northampton Cycling & Athletics Club, won the AAA steeplechase four times between 1896-1903 and was twice the champion at 10 miles in 1898 and 1900. He was also the National cross-country champion in 1897 and 1898, and in the latter year he led England home against France in the match which was the forerunner of the International Cross-Country Championship. The son of William Robinson, a local postmaster and carpenter, Sidney was also a carpenter.
Personal Bests: 3 miles – 15:04.0 (1898); 4 miles – 20:16.0 (1898); 6 miles – 30:52.0 (1898); 10 miles – 53:12.0 (1898).
Great Britain