James Angus Gillan facts for kids

Sir James Angus Gillan (born October 11, 1885 – died April 23, 1981) was a Scottish rower. He was also a government official who worked in different countries. James Gillan won two gold medals in rowing at the Summer Olympics. He competed in the 1908 Summer Olympics and the 1912 Summer Olympics.

Early Life and Rowing Success

James Gillan was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. He went to school at Edinburgh Academy and later studied at Magdalen College, Oxford.

Rowing for Oxford University

Gillan was a talented rower. He rowed for Oxford University in the famous Boat Race in 1907. This is a big rowing competition against Cambridge University. He missed the 1908 race because he was very sick with the flu.

Winning at Henley Royal Regatta

He also rowed for his college team, Magdalen College. His team, a coxless four (a boat with four rowers and no person to steer), won important races. They won the Stewards' Challenge Cup and the Visitors' Challenge Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta in both 1907 and 1908. The Henley Royal Regatta is a very famous rowing event in England.

Olympic Gold Medals

James Gillan became an Olympic champion twice.

1908 London Olympics

The Magdalen College crew was chosen to represent Great Britain at the 1908 Summer Olympics in London. Gillan was part of the four-man crew. His teammates were Collier Cudmore, John Somers-Smith, and Duncan Mackinnon. This team won the gold medal for Great Britain in the men's coxless four event. After the Olympics, Gillan rowed for Oxford again in the Boat Race in 1909.

1912 Stockholm Olympics

In 1912, Gillan was back in the UK while on leave from his job. He joined the British eight team. This team won another gold medal at the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden.

Life After Rowing

After his rowing career, James Gillan had an important job working for the British government.

Working in Sudan

In 1909, Gillan joined the Sudan Political Service. This meant he worked for the British government in Sudan, a country in Africa. He worked there for thirty years. In 1934, he became the Civil Secretary, which was a very high position. He received special honors for his work, becoming a CMG in 1935 and a KBE in 1939.

Post-War Contributions

After World War II, Gillan helped organize the 1948 Summer Olympics in London. He was in charge of the Empire Division of the British Council. In 1949, he left his job in Sudan. He then became the British Council representative in Australia until 1951. When he returned to England, he was the chairman of the Royal Overseas League from 1955 to 1962.

Later Life

Sir James Angus Gillan passed away in Leigh, Surrey, at the age of 95.

See also

• List of Oxford University Boat Race crews