Hertfordshire’s Olympic history uncovered in county council’s archives

Harold Abrahams, a former Olympic athlete, has left a lasting legacy. Abrahams' story was famously depicted in the Oscar and BAFTA winning film 'Chariots of Fire,' celebrating his 1924 Olympic gold medal in the 100 metres in the same host city, Paris one hundred years ago. Harold is buried with his wife Sybil Evers, a D’Oyly Carte opera singer in Amwell’s churchyard. Images of Harold and the grave in Amwell were submitted to archives and the story can be viewed online through Herts Memories.

William Grenfell (1855 – 1945) was an MP and became Lord Grenfell in 1905. As William Grenfell, he excelled in many sports including representing Harrow at cricket, rowing for Oxford twice in the University Boat Race (1877 and 1878) winning the Thames punting championship 1888 – 1890 and representing his country at fencing; he won silver as part of the men’s fencing team at the 1906 Intercalated Games in Greece, which were considered an unofficial Olympics.  He was a founder of the British Olympic Association in 1905 and was President of the 1908 Olympic Games held in London at the White City Stadium. These were a great success despite being organised at only two years notice.  Among the records from his estate at Panshanger House are his programme of the Olympic rowing events at Henley on Thames, an illuminated address presented to him for services to fencing, and his scrapbook of press cuttings and letters from the Olympic organising bodies from other countries. This can be seen at Olympic Games, London, 1908 | Herts Memories.

During the 1948 Olympics, the marathon course entered the county from Mill Hill, crossed Stirling Corner, past the Thatched Barn on the Barnet by-pass, past Elstree War Memorial, along Theobald Street and into Radlett. The course then took the runners through Elstree village and rejoined the main road to Edgware for the final run back into Wembley stadium. A number of accounts from Hertfordshire residents who enjoyed this exciting event can be read on Herts Memories.

Cllr Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, said: “The stories of our talented residents only add to the vibrant sporting culture we have here in Hertfordshire with top-class facilities to support our athletes. I wish Team GB good luck in the Paris games.”

Cllr Caroline Clapper, Hertfordshire County Council’s Executive Member for Education, Libraries and Life-long Learning, said: “The rich history of Hertfordshire yet again shines through as we gear up to an exciting summer of sport. I will be cheering on Team GB as they compete in Paris whilst also recognising those who have made such an important contribution to sporting moments of the past. The archives team continue to dedicate their time and expertise to preserve our residents’ memories for future generations.”

The county has also produced it fair share of more recent Olympians across a number of disciplines:

Dame Laura Kenny grew up in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire and is a celebrated British cyclist renowned for her prowess in track cycling events. Laura's illustrious career is highlighted by her remarkable achievements in the Olympics, where she has won six medals, including gold in the team pursuit and the omnium at both the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, and gold in the madison at the 2020 Olympics. This impressive tally makes her the most successful British female athlete in Olympic history.

Max Whitlock OBE is one of Britain’s most celebrated gymnasts. Hailing from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, Whitlock's journey in gymnastics began at a tender age when he joined the Sapphire School of Gymnastics in his hometown. Max’s illustrious career is marked by a plethora of accolades, including three Olympic gold medals, which he secured at the London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020 games, making him Britain's most successful gymnast.

Another notable sports personality from Hertfordshire is Anthony Joshua, the two-time unified heavyweight champion boxer. Growing up in Watford, Joshua's athletic ability was evident from an early age, and he has since become one of the most recognised and respected figures in boxing, holding multiple world heavyweight titles and winning gold in the super-heavyweight boxing at London 2012.

With such an athletic legacy and world class facilities Hertfordshire continues to produce rising stars. Keep an eye on these Hertfordshire athletes:

Phoebe Gill is a 17-year-old British athlete from St Albans. Phoebe secured her spot at the 2024 Olympics in Paris after an impressive performance in the 800m. She claimed a stunning victory ahead of experienced runner Jemma Reekie at the UK Athletics Championships. Earlier, in May, Phoebe broke the 45-year-old European Under-18 record in the same event, showcasing her remarkable talent and maturity beyond her years. Now, she's set to compete on the Olympic stage alongside other top athletes.

Mia McIntosh is a talented British hurdler hailing from Redbourn. Mia has achieved remarkable success at a young age. As the British hurdles record-holder at under-15, under-17, and under-18 levels, she’s left her mark on the track. In 2022, Mia clocked personal best times in the 100m hurdles U18 (13.05) and 100m hurdles (13.45), ranking second globally in the U18 height hurdles (76.2cm). Her summer was highlighted by a gold medal, personal-best, and European under-18 leading time at the European Under-18 Championships in Jerusalem. Despite a knee injury during the World U20 Championships in Cali, Mia’s resilience and maturity shine through, making her a rising star in athletics.

Learn more about sport in Hertfordshire through the Herts Sport and Physical Activity Partnership Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (sportinherts.org.uk)