Harry Sewell

{{Short description|British steeplechase runner}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}

{{Use British English|date=April 2025}}

{{Infobox sportsperson

| name = Harry Sewell

| image =

| caption =

| nationality = British (English)

| sport = Athletics

| event = steeplechase

| club = Derby & County AC

| birth_date = 8 October 1882

| birth_place = Ilkeston, England

| death_date = 15 September 1953 (aged 70)

| death_place = Ilkeston, England

| height =

| weight =

}}

Henry Sewell (October 8, 1882 – September 15, 1953) was a British athlete who competed at the 1908 Summer Olympics.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000648/19080612/187/0008 |title=Olympic Games, Britain's team of athletes |work=Liverpool Daily Post |date=12 June 1908 |via=British Newspaper Archive|url-access=subscription |access-date=10 April 2025}}

Biography

Sewell was regarded as one of the best all-rounders in England during the first decade of the 20th century, he was s successful sprinter, middle distance and long distance runner.{{cite web|url=https://www.olympedia.org/athletes/69474 |title=Harry Sewell |work=Olympedia |access-date=11 April 2025}}

Sewell represented Great Britain at the 1908 Summer Olympics in London.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001055/19080612/073/0003 |title=The Olympic Games, British Representatives |work=The Sportsman |date=12 June 1908 |via=British Newspaper Archive|url-access=subscription |access-date=11 April 2025}} In the 3,200 metres steeplechase event first round, Sewell ran a tight race with James Lightbody of the United States, a former Olympic steeplechase champion. Near the end, Sewell pulled away and won by about ten yards. This qualified him for the final, in which he placed fifth.

Sewell was a member of the Derby & County Athletic Club, where he became captain and later president. He was the club 10-mile champion four times.

After athletics, Sewell was a building contractor in Ilkeston and in 1932 was elected as a local councilor.

References

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