Jack Lovelock wins the 'mile of the century'
Photograph taken by the Associated Press, Jack Lovelock after his victory in the 'mile of the century', New Zealand Free Lance Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Reference: PAColl-8163-31
Jack Lovelock wins the 'mile of the century'
One of New Zealand’s most famous sporting figures, Jack Lovelock broke the world mile record in 1933, won the Empire Games gold medal in 1934, and broke the 1500 metres record while winning the gold medal for this event at the Berlin Olympics in 1936.
On 15 June 1935 Lovelock beat rivals Glen Cunningham and Bill Bonthron in the 'mile of the century' at the Princeton Invitational meeting, New York.
This photograph shows Lovelock surrounded by wellwishers after the race In his scrapbook recording this race Lovelock described being 'mobbed by "kind" but thoughtless enthusiasts, hundreds of whom appeared to want to slap me, none too gently, on any portion of my anatomy they could lay a finger on.'1
The Alexander Turnbull Library’s Manuscripts and Archives Collection holds a large collection of Lovelock’s papers, including diaries, scrapbooks, letters, newspaper clippings and articles.
1 Jack Lovelock papers. MSX-2254. Manuscripts and Archives Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library.
More photos of Jack Lovelock – National Library on Flickr
More about Jack Lovelock – Dictionary of New Zealand Biography website
Permission of the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa must be obtained before any reuse of this image.
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