Chris Brasher facts for kids
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | 21 August 1928 Georgetown, British Guiana |
| Died | 28 February 2003 (aged 74) Chaddleworth, Berkshire, England |
| Occupation | Athlete, sports journalist and co-founder of the London Marathon |
| Spouse(s) | Shirley Bloomer |
Christopher William Brasher was a famous British athlete, sports journalist, and one of the people who started the London Marathon. He was born on August 21, 1928, and passed away on February 28, 2003. He was also honored with the CBE.
Contents
Early Life and Adventures
Chris Brasher was born in Georgetown, British Guiana. He went to Rugby School and then studied geology at St John's College, Cambridge. He loved climbing mountains. As a student, he led the Cambridge University Mountaineering Club. In 1948, he even led a trip to Baffin Island.
Amazing Sporting Moments
Chris Brasher was a talented track and field athlete. He was part of a very famous moment in sports history.
Helping a Friend Make History
On May 6, 1954, Chris Brasher helped his friend Roger Bannister achieve something amazing. Roger Bannister wanted to run a mile in under four minutes. This had never been done before! Chris Brasher ran the first two laps of the race to set a fast pace for Roger. Another friend, Chris Chataway, paced the third lap. Roger Bannister then finished the mile in a record-breaking time.
Olympic Gold Medal
Two years later, in 1956, Chris Brasher competed in the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia. He raced in the 3,000 metres steeplechase. This race involves running and jumping over hurdles and water jumps.
He finished first with a time of 8 minutes and 41.2 seconds. However, he was first disqualified because someone thought he had interfered with another runner. But after an investigation the next day, officials decided he had not done anything wrong. Chris Brasher was given his gold medal back! He later joked that he was probably the only Olympic champion who was celebrating for hours before getting his medal.
Discovering Orienteering
Chris Brasher also helped bring a new sport to Britain called orienteering. This sport combines running with navigation, using a map and compass to find your way. In 1957, he wrote an article in The Observer newspaper. In it, he described orienteering as "one of the best sports in the world."
Life After Competing
After his athletics career, Chris Brasher continued to be involved in sports in many ways.
Journalism and Business
He became a well-known sports journalist for The Observer newspaper. He also worked as a reporter for the Tonight TV show.
In 1971, he started his own sports equipment company called Chris Brasher's Sporting Emporium. This company later became known as Sweatshop. He also designed a special walking boot called the Brasher Boot. It was made to be as comfortable as a running shoe.
Starting the London Marathon
One of Chris Brasher's biggest achievements was helping to create the London Marathon. In 1981, he and his friend John Disley started this famous race. The London Marathon is now one of the biggest and most popular marathons in the world. It raises a lot of money for charities every year.
From 1983 to 1987, Chris Brasher was also the president of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races. This group helps organize marathons around the world.
Personal Life and Awards
In 1959, Chris Brasher married Shirley Bloomer, who was a famous English tennis champion.
He received the CBE award in 1996 for his contributions. In 2002, he was given the Livingstone Medal by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.
Chris Brasher passed away in 2003 at his home in Chaddleworth, Berkshire, after an illness.
Images for kids
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Chris Brasher on a postage stamp.
