Arthur Wint

Arthur Wint (May 25, 1920 – October 19, 1992) was a Jamaican athlete, and the first Jamaican Olympic gold medalist. He specialized in the 400 meters and 800 meters events.

Early life

Arthur Wint was born in Plowden, Manchester, Jamaica. He was educated at Calabar High School, where he excelled in athletics. After graduating, he joined the British Commonwealth air training plan and became a pilot officer in 1942.

Athletic career

Wint began his athletic career at the Penn Relays, where he represented his high school. He later competed in the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, where he won the gold medal in the 400 meters and the silver medal in the 800 meters. He also competed in the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, where he won the silver medal in the 800 meters and was part of the Jamaican team that won the gold medal in the 4x400 meters relay.

Medical career

After retiring from athletics, Wint studied medicine at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London. He returned to Jamaica in 1962 and served as Jamaica's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and ambassador to Sweden and Denmark. He also worked as a doctor in Jamaica and was a member of the Jamaica Olympic Association.

Legacy

Wint is remembered as one of Jamaica's greatest athletes. He was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican government in 1973. In 2000, he was posthumously inducted into the International Association of Athletics Federations Hall of Fame.

References

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