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OBJECT OF THE MONTH -
Ernie Payne's Gold Medal - September 2002
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| The museum collection
contains a replica of Payne’s gold medal, donated in 1977 by the cycling
club, as well as memorabilia and photographs of his long and successful
career. Mysteriously the original medal disappeared without trace
just after the First World War. It turned out to be Great Britain’s
last gold medal in the event, as Italy and then France dominated the
competition. Ernie Payne took part in a very controversial Olympics even by today’s standards. The 1908 Games were originally awarded to Rome but Italy backed out for financial reasons. The London Olympics were held in the newly constructed Shepherds Bush stadium, accommodating 68,000 people. These Games were notable for the acrimonious disputes between the United States and Britain in several events. It was also the Games when the Marathon was extended from 25 miles to 26 miles and 385 yards to give the Royal Family a better view of the starting line! Britain eventually finished in 4th place in the medal table behind France, Greece and the USA. |
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