Harry Kerr

Who was Harry Kerr?

Henry Edward "Harry" Kerr was a New Zealand athlete who competed mainly in walking events.

He competed for Australasia in the 1908 Summer Olympics held in London in the 3500 metre walk where he won the bronze medal. This was the first time a New Zealander had won an Olympic medal.

Kerr was born in Taranaki and was a champion shooter and keen rugby player, as well as competing in a variety of track and field events. Competing for a time as a professional he was required to stand down from competition for two years in order to regain his amateur status. After winning numerous national titles Kerr virtually retired in 1912 and served in World War I but returned to win two more national titles in 1925 at the age of 46.

Kerr was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.

On 13 July 2008 to commemorate the first Olympic Games medal by a New Zealander the Harry Kerr Centennial Walking Relay was held at Sovereign Stadium, Mairangi Bay, Auckland. Two events were held, a 5x10km relay and a 3500m individual event. A shield for the winning team was presented by Kerr's daughter-in-law. It is proposed that this will be an annual event.