Stan Lay

Who was Stan Lay?

Stanley Arthur Lay, MBE, was a New Zealand track and field athlete who competed in javelin throwing at the 1928 Summer Olympics at Amsterdam, the 1930 British Empire Games in Hamilton, the 1938 British Empire Games in Sydney, and the 1950 British Empire Games in Auckland.

In 1928 he finished seventh in the javelin throw competition. At the British Empire Games he won a gold medal in 1930, and a silver medal in 1938. At the 1950 Empire Games he finished sixth in the javelin throw event.

He was born in New Plymouth. He was a signwriter at Stratford, and could not afford the time off to go to the 1934 British Empire Games in London.

Lay's best throw of 67.90m was achieved in London on 7 July 1928 prior to the 1928 Olympics. Officials thought he had broken the world record but they had overlooked Eino Penttilä's record throw of 69.88 the previous year. Lay's throw remained the Commonwealth record for 26 years.

At the 1950 Empire Games Lay took the oath on behalf of all compettiors.

In the 1988 New Year Honours, Lay was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire, for services to sport.