Keynes Society reports that Harold Abrahams "famously overcame substantial prejudice against his Jewish background and won a gold medal for the 100m sprint at the 1924 Olympics, as later recounted in the film Chariots of Fire." This achievement was just one of many victories for the multi-talented Abrahams.
These victories were fueled by Abrahams' overall ability to maximize his existing strengths. Jews in Sports reports that Nobel Prize winner Philip Noel Baker described Abrahams as being right up there with Jesse Owens and Ralph Metcalfe.
Accord to Baker, this was not just because of Abrahams' "magnificent physique," but also because of Abrahams' use of brainpower and will power.
For example, Abrahams understood – long before it was popular to do so – that having a professional network could greatly enhance his natural abilities.
He therefore relied upon the support of his Olympian brother Sidney Abrahams, and upon the services of coach Sam Mussabini (who was introduced to Harold by fellow Olympian sprinter Eric Liddell). Wikipedia
reports: "Through vigorous training, Abrahams perfected his start, stride and form."
Abrahams' ingenuity and determination again surfaced when a leg injury cut short his athletic career. Rather
than bemoaning his fate or resting upon his Olympic laurels, Abrahams not only resumed his legal career, but also became an athletics journalist and a sports commentator.
He authored a number of books, was "the timekeeper for Roger Bannister's historic four-minute mile," and served as president of the Jewish Athletic
Association.
Resources
http://keynessociety.wordpress.com/2009/08/14/harold-abrahams-1899-1978/
http://www.jewsinsports.org/olympics.asp?ID=511
Harold Abrahams is one of the greatest legend athlete whoever lived. I recently watched documentary film about him named The Real Chariots of Fire which is released few days before London Olympics 2012. Must watch for those who love him and love the sport.
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