David Jacobs (Welsh athlete)
| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
Representing  Great Britain | ||
| Olympic Games | ||
| Gold | 1912 Stockholm | 4×100 m relay |
David Henry Jacobs (30 April 1888 – 6 June 1976) was a Welsh-born track and field sprinter. He was the first British Jew to win an Olympic gold medal.[1]
He was born in Cardiff, to John Jacobs (previously Yaakov), who was a general dealer from London. His athletics career started in London with Herne Hill Harriers in 1908.[1] His interest in athletics was aroused by watching the 1908 Olympic Games.
At the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm, Jacobs won a gold medal as the first leg in the British 4x100 m relay team, in spite of finishing second behind the United States in the semifinals. The United States was later disqualified for a fault in passing the baton, the same mistake made in the finals by the world record holder and main favourite German team.
Jacobs also competed in the 100 m and 200 m individual events, but was eliminated in the semifinals of each.
Although many times Welsh champion, he never succeeded in winning a AAA title.
He died suddenly in Aberconwy, aged 88, while on holiday from his London home. His body was returned to London, where he was buried in a Jewish cemetery,[1] at East Ham.[2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 William D. Rubinstein, Michael Jolles, Hilary L. Rubinstein, ed. (2011). "Jacobs, David Henry". The Palgrave Dictionary of Anglo-Jewish History. Palgrave Macmillan. p. 465. ISBN 9781403939104.
- ↑ "David Henry Jacobs, Gold Medallist at the Olympics". The US. 25 July 2012.
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