Sid Atkinson

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameSidney James Montford "Sid"•Atkinson
Used nameSid•Atkinson
Born14 March 1901 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (RSA)
Died31 August 1977 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (RSA)
Measurements186 cm / 76 kg
NOC South Africa
Medals OG
Gold 1
Silver 1
Bronze 0
Total 2

Biography

Sid Atkinson was primarily a hurdler, who first came to international attention in 1922, running the 110 m hurdles in 15.2 and the 400 m hurdles in 56.5. He was also a useful long jumper. At the 1924 Paris Olympics, the favorite in the high hurdles was American George Guthrie, but as the race started, Atkinson and another American Dan Kinsey got off quickly and ran together until the eighth hurdle when Atkinson edged ahead. Atkinson clipped his toe on the last barrier, allowing Kinsey to take back the lead and win gold. Atkinson reappeared at the next Olympics, finally getting his gold after the disappointment of 1924, defeating American Steve Anderson, who had equaled the world record in his semi-final. Atkinson also won the British AAA 120 yd hurdles title on his two visits to Europe.

Personal Bests: 100 – unknown; 110H – 14.7y (1928); LJ – 7.34 (1925).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1924 Summer Olympics Athletics RSA Sid Atkinson
110 metres Hurdles, Men (Olympic) 2 Silver
400 metres Hurdles, Men (Olympic) DNS
Long Jump, Men (Olympic) DNS
1928 Summer Olympics Athletics RSA Sid Atkinson
100 metres, Men (Olympic) 5 h3 r2/4
110 metres Hurdles, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold
4 × 100 metres Relay, Men (Olympic) South Africa DNS
Long Jump, Men (Olympic) DNS