Harold Abrahams - a Bedford Olympic Icon
A few weeks ago, local resident and athletics coach Dennis Johnson contacted me to ask for my thoughts on his proposal for a plaque to be installed next year at the Bedford birthplace of Harold Abrahams, the 1924 Olympic 100 metres champion whose triumphant story was told in the film Chariots of Fire. Abrahams is a true Olympic icon, and I couldn't agree more with Dennis that his Bedford roots should be marked in the year of the London 2012 games. Abrahams, who is one of only three British Olympic 100 metre gold medallists, was born at 30 Rutland Road in Bedford. The house was demolished in the 1930s, but Dennis is hopeful that, subject to the agreement of the current householder, a plaque can be put up on display at the current property on the site.
