Published in the Sleaford Target 15th August 2012 and the Grantham Journal 17th August 2012.
John Chapman, 82 from Caythorpe has a story to tell, his father Meyrick Chapman, competed in the 100 metres sprint race during the 1908 Games at White City, the first time the Olympics were ever held in London. Unfortunately, John’s father went out in the heat stages to the eventual winner, but other than that John had very little information about the race.
John who attends Spriteleys, a day service for older people in Ancaster, mentioned his story to a member of staff from Adults Supporting Adults (ASA) during a general conversation about the 2012 Olympics. After some searching on the internet, ASA were able to find out that Meyrick had ran for Finchley Harriers, who have now amalgamated into Hillingdon Athletics Club. ASA contacted the club who were very interested in John’s story and more than happy to help. Luckily, they had a club historian who was able to find 2 photographs of Meyrick crossing the line in a different race from 1909 and an entry in a Sports Almanac of the time. It was quoted that Meyrick was a national sprint champion and that he had won the Olympic Trials for the 1908 Games. The club quickly emailed them over to ASA who passed them onto John and his family.
John says “I’d feel lost if I didn’t come to the Spriteleys group, I get to meet my friends each week which gives my wife a break from caring for me. It’s been a nice surprise to see these new photographs of my father racing and I’d like to thank ASA for their endeavours”.
If you know of anyone who would benefit from a small group day service for older people in the Sleaford and Grantham areas, then please contact Adults Supporting Adults on 01529 416270.
