Mike Race’s uncle Harold Porter was a member of the British team who won silver in the 3,000 metre relay in 1924, at what are now remembered as the ‘Chariots of Fire’ Olympics.
But because of a quirk in the way medals were awarded at the time, Harold never actually received a medal.
That’s because, on the day of the final, he was only the fourth-fastest of the British runners – the medal only went to the three fastest.
“I think he was a bit upset when he came home,” admits Mr Race. “But I feel very proud. He’s a part of the family story.”
Mr Race remembers his uncle by marriage as a ‘nervous, unassuming man’.
“He was a clerk at the electricity board for over 50 years who lived in quiet respectability in Upper Price Street, off Scarcroft Road, with his wife Agnes and their son Noel,” Mr Race said.
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