Defining Moments in Australian History: Australia’s first Olympian

australiangeographic.com.au

Defining Moments in Australian History: Australia’s first Olympian

Edwin Flack, an accountant and champion runner, was Australia’s only competitor at the first modern Olympics in 1896, in Athens, where he won the 800m and 1500m, took part in the marathon and placed third in doubles tennis. Flack was born in London on 5 November 1873 but moved to Melbourne five years later with his family. He attended Melbourne Church of England Grammar School and developed into a talented runner, competing in inter-club events …