John Sheffield

After finishing last in the AAA 440y hurdles final in 1935, he won the title in 1936 and went to the Olympics as Britain’s first-string. In Berlin he failed to produce his best form and finished fifth in his heat. Sheffield was also a useful high jumper and won the Army title in 1937, but shortly afterwards he contracted polio while serving with the Royal Horse Artillery in Egypt and it was initially thought he would never walk again. Although his days as a cavalry officer were clearly over, he was able to continue his military career with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. He rose to the rank of Major-General and was awarded the CBE in 1961 and the CB in 1967. After retirement he became Secretary and then Commandant of the Star and Garter Home, Richmond.

Personal Bests: 440yH – 55.6 (1936).