Gordon Smallacombe (10 February 1907 – 1957) was a Canadian track and field athlete who competed in jumping events.[1] A Torontonian based out of the West End YMCA, he was the gold medallist in the triple jump at the 1930 British Empire Games, becoming the inaugural champion in the event with a jump of 14.76 m (48 ft 5 in). It was in fact the very first gold medal won in the history of the British Empire (later Commonwealth) Games.[2] He remains the only Canadian man to win that title.[3] At the games, he also competed in the high jump (failing to record a mark) and in the long jump, taking fifth place with a jump of 6.61 m (21 ft 8 in).[4]

Gordon Smallacombe
Medal record
Men's athletics
Representing  Canada
British Empire Games
Gold medal – first place 1930 Hamilton Triple jump

He won three titles at the Canadian Track and Field Championships, being high jump champion in 1929 and double champion in 1930 in the long and triple jump.[5]

International competitions edit

Year Competition Venue Position Event Notes
1930 British Empire Games Hamilton, Canada High jump NM
5th Long jump 6.61 m
1st Triple jump 14.76 m GR

References edit

  1. ^ Gordon Smallacombe. Track and Field Brinkster. Retrieved on 2016-03-16.
  2. ^ Jamie Bradburn (21 July 2015). "The British Empire Games of 1930". Torontoist.com. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
  3. ^ Commonwealth Games. GBR Athletics. Retrieved on 2016-03-16.
  4. ^ Gordon Smallacombe. Commonwealth Games Federation. Retrieved on 2016-03-16.
  5. ^ Canadian Championships Medallists 1900-2012. Athletics Canada. Retrieved on 2016-03-16.