Charlie Booth
Charlie Booth | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1 October 1903 |
| Died | 20 May 2008 (aged 104) |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation(s) | Athlete, inventor |
Charlie Booth (1 October 1903 – 20 May 2008)[1] was an Australian athlete.
Career[edit]
In the 1930s, he was a champion runner who participated in several Stawell Gifts, until a victory in 1939. He was also a fitter and turner apprentice. Booth is widely credited for inventing starting blocks for sprinting races, along with his father.[1]
When he first used his invention in a race, made from a T-bar and a block of wood cut in half, he was disqualified for life. The decision was overturned a few weeks later.[2]
At age 100, Booth gave a rare interview about his long and successful life.[3]
In 2006, the then 102-year-old wanted to run in a special Stawell Gift over-40s race, with the prize being a pig, but in the end he decided against it.[1]
Death[edit]
In 2007, he celebrated his 104th birthday with a small private party.[4] Nearly eight months later in May 2008, Booth died at the age of 104.
References[edit]
- ^ a b c Vale Charlie Booth 1903–2008 Archived 20 November 2008 at archive.today
- ^ "Masterstrack.com Charlie Booth dies at 104; invented blocks, sprinted till 99 » masterstrack.com". Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
- ^ A marathon man with plenty of punch left yet - FeaturesGeneral - www.theage.com.au
- ^ "Booth's 104th birthday". goldcoast.com.au. 27 September 2007. Retrieved 10 December 2007.
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