Charlie Booth | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1 October 1903 |
| Died | 20 May 2008 (aged 104) |
| Occupations | Athlete, inventor |
Charlie Booth (1 October 1903 – 20 May 2008)[1] was an Australian athlete.
Career
[edit]In the 1930s, Booth was a champion runner who participated in several Stawell Gifts, achieving victory in 1939. He was also an apprentice fitter and turner. He 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, the prize being a pig, but he subsequently 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". athletics.com.au. 23 May 2008. Archived from the original on 20 November 2008.
- ^ "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". The Age. 15 March 2004. Archived from the original on 6 May 2021.
- ^ "Booth's 104th birthday". goldcoast.com.au. 27 September 2007. Archived from the original on 8 February 2012. Retrieved 10 December 2007.
 .svg){kind=small}  | This biographical article about an Australian sprinter is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |