Jack London, English sprinter and pianist (d. 1966)

John Edward London: A Pioneer of British Athletics and Olympic Medallist

Born on 13 January 1905, John Edward London, whose life concluded on 2 May 1966, distinguished himself as a prominent British athlete. Primarily known for his prowess in the 100 metres sprint, London left an indelible mark on the sport, most notably by securing both a silver and a bronze medal at the historic 1928 Summer Olympics held in Amsterdam. His journey from British Guiana, now the independent nation of Guyana, to the Olympic podium encapsulates a remarkable narrative of athletic talent and innovation.

Early Life, Education, and Athletic Beginnings

John Edward London's formative years were marked by transcontinental movements. Born in British Guiana, a former British colony in South America, he relocated to London as a child. While his family later returned to British Guiana, London continued his education at Queen's College in Georgetown, a highly respected institution known for its academic excellence. Upon his return to England, London pursued studies at the Regent Street Polytechnic in London, an institution renowned not only for education but also for fostering athletic talent. It was here that he joined the esteemed Polytechnic Harriers athletics club, a breeding ground for many top British athletes. His leadership qualities were quickly recognised, leading to his election as captain of the sports club in October 1922.

At the Polytechnic Harriers, London benefited from the guidance of the legendary coach Sam Mussabini. Mussabini, a pivotal figure in British athletics coaching, was known for his innovative methods and had previously coached Olympic champions such as Harold Abrahams. London's association with Mussabini proved instrumental in his development as a world-class sprinter.

Innovation on the Track: The Adoption of Starting Blocks

John London was not only an exceptional athlete but also a forward-thinking innovator in his sport. He was among the earliest adopters of starting blocks, a revolutionary piece of equipment that dramatically changed sprint mechanics. Prior to their widespread use, sprinters would laboriously dig small footholds directly into the cinder tracks to gain traction at the start of a race. London's embrace of starting blocks provided a more consistent, stable, and powerful push-off, giving him a significant competitive advantage.

His early successes on the international stage underscored his growing potential. In July 1927, London showcased his speed by winning the 100 metres in an impressive 10.7 seconds at a competition between England and France held at Stamford Bridge in London. This performance set the stage for further triumphs in Paris in October of the same year, where he dominated both the 100 metres and the 200 metres events.

Olympic Glory at Amsterdam 1928

The pinnacle of John Edward London's career arrived at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Competing for Great Britain, he delivered a performance that etched his name into Olympic history.

• 100 Metres Silver Medal: In the semi-final of the 100 metres, London demonstrated his exceptional speed by equalling the standing Olympic record of 10.6 seconds. In the highly anticipated final, he secured the silver medal, finishing just behind the formidable Canadian sprinter Percy Williams. This was a monumental achievement for British sprinting.
• 4×100 Metres Relay Bronze Medal: London further contributed to Great Britain's medal tally by winning a bronze medal in the 4×100 metres relay. He teamed up with Cyril Gill, Edward Smouha, and Walter Rangeley, and together they delivered a strong performance, finishing behind the relay powerhouses of the United States and Germany.
• Pioneering Starting Blocks at the Olympics: Significantly, John London made history as the very first athlete to utilise starting blocks at the Olympic Games. This innovative approach, which he had refined in his training, showcased his progressive mindset and foresight in athletic technique.

In recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions to athletics, London was awarded the Polytechnic Harriers's S. A. Mussabini memorial medal in 1928, a poignant tribute to his late coach. He also received the prestigious Studd Trophy in the same year, further cementing his status as a leading figure in British sport.

Later Athletic Career and Transition to Entertainment

Following his Olympic triumphs, John London continued to train under the guidance of Albert Hill, another celebrated British athlete and a double Olympic gold medallist from the 1920 Antwerp Games. In July 1929, London achieved another notable milestone by becoming the first British sprinter since Harold Abrahams (in 1924) to clinch the Amateur Athletic Association's (AAA) 100 yards title, a premier national championship in British athletics. Beyond sprinting, London also demonstrated remarkable versatility, proving to be a leading British high jumper during this period, showcasing his diverse athletic capabilities.

Unfortunately, his promising athletic career was curtailed prematurely by a debilitating leg injury in 1930. While he made a brief return to competition, participating in a 4×100 metre relay for England against Germany in 1931, the injury impacted his form, and he was not selected for the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Upon his retirement from competitive athletics, London embarked on an entirely new career path in entertainment, highlighting his multifaceted talents. In 1931, he joined the original cast of Noël Coward's grand musical production, Cavalcade, at the prestigious Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, where he showcased his musical abilities by playing the piano. Cavalcade was a monumental theatrical spectacle, depicting British history from 1899 to 1930. His foray into performance extended to the silver screen, as he appeared in Will Hay's Gainsborough Pictures comedy film, Old Bones of the River, released in 1938. Will Hay was a hugely popular British comedian and actor of the era.

Personal Life, Authorship, and Final Years

John Edward London's personal life saw significant milestones during his transition from sports to entertainment. He first married in 1930 at the Marylebone register office in London, where his profession was officially recorded as "pianist," reflecting his burgeoning career in music. He later divorced and remarried in 1938.

In 1948, London's deep knowledge of athletics led him to co-author an athletics coaching manual titled The Way to Win on Track and Field with the respected athletics journalist Joe Binks. While the book served as a valuable resource for aspiring athletes and coaches, it did not achieve significant commercial success.

In his later years, London's life took a more subdued turn, and he worked as a porter at St Pancras Hospital. He passed away suddenly on 2 May 1966, due to a subarachnoid haemorrhage, a serious and often fatal type of stroke caused by bleeding on the surface of the brain.

Frequently Asked Questions About John Edward London

Who was John Edward London?

John Edward London was a British athlete, born in British Guiana (now Guyana), who was a prominent sprinter in the late 1920s. He is best known for winning a silver and a bronze medal at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam.

What made John Edward London a pioneer in athletics?

London was a pioneer because he was one of the earliest adopters, and indeed the first to use, starting blocks in official competitions, including the Olympic Games. This innovation provided a significant advantage over the traditional method of digging footholds in cinder tracks.

What medals did John Edward London win at the 1928 Olympics?

At the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, John Edward London won a silver medal in the 100 metres sprint and a bronze medal as part of the Great Britain 4×100 metres relay team.

Who coached John Edward London?

He was initially coached by the renowned Sam Mussabini at the Polytechnic Harriers, and later by Albert Hill, both highly respected figures in British athletics coaching.

Did John Edward London have a career outside of athletics?

Yes, after his athletic career was cut short by injury, John Edward London transitioned into entertainment. He performed as a pianist in the original cast of Noël Coward's musical Cavalcade and appeared in the Will Hay comedy film Old Bones of the River.