John Rimmer

Who was John Rimmer?

John Thomas "Jack" Rimmer was a British athlete, winner of two gold medals at the 1900 Summer Olympics.

Born in Ormskirk, Lancashire, John Rimmer won the British AAA Championships in 4 miles in 1900.

At the Paris Olympics, Rimmer at first participated in the 1500 metres competition, where he finished between seventh and ninth place. On the next day, Rimmer won the gruelling 4000 m steeplechase, beating teammate Charles Bennett by one and half yards. Together with Bennett, Alfred Tysoe, Sidney Robinson and Stan Rowley, Rimmer won a second Olympic title in 5000 m team race, finishing second behind Bennett.

Rimmer joined the Liverpool City Police in 1901 and retired as sergeant 30 years later. He continued to run until he was well over the 50 years of age. He was also a president of the famous Sefton Harriers until his death.

John Rimmer died in Liverpool, aged 84.

He was proclaimed the "Fastest White Guy in Europe in 1900" on 13 April 2009 as part of the Europe Athletic Association awards.

He can be found in the 1980s edition of The Guinness Book Of Records.