By Jim Fagan
So far Dr Ian Jobling has raised close to $1000 for two Noosa not for profits– the Sunshine Beach State School Chaplaincy Program and the Noosa Masters Swimming Club– with his popular talks on the early years of the Olympic Games.
And this Sunday he will continue with his fundraising gold medal effort with another talk—this time featuring one of Australia’s most idolised swimmers, Andrew “Boy” Charlton, who won gold in the 1500 metres in Paris in 1924 in world record time.
“He was mobbed when he came back to Sydney and he inspired a song, “The Wonder Boy,” which became quite a hit,” Ian says.
Ian also takes a look at the 1928 Games in Amsterdam where women athletes competed for the first time in track and field.
Australian champion sprinter Edith Robinson was the only track and field female athlete in the Olympic team and, although selected for the 100 metres, she also took part in the 800.
“She didn’t know it but the male athletes had submitted an entry form on her behalf for the longer event and good sport that she was, she competed, making the semi-finals.”
Ian is Director of Queensland Centre of Olympic Studies at the University of Queensland and has been involved in the Olympic Movement since he saw his first Games in Melbourne in 1956.
He is also a founding member of the Australian Society of Sports History
“Australia at the Olympic Games—Chariots of Fire.” St Andrew’s Anglican Church Sunshine Beach. Sunday, April 28. Afternoon tea at 4pm followed by the presentation. Tickets $10, students $5, on sale at door. More information call Ian 0417 192 531
