October 30 marks the death anniversary of Norman Pritchard, India’s first Olympic medalist.
About Norman Peterson Pritchard:
Early Life and Background
- Norman Pritchard was born on January 23, 1875, in Calcutta (now Kolkata) during British India.
- He was actively involved in athletics, football, and acting.
Olympic Journey:
- Norman Pritchard participated in the 1900 Paris Olympics.
- He won two silver medals in the 200-metre sprint and 200-metre hurdles.
- He was the First Asian-born athlete to win an Olympic medal.
- He only represented India in the Olympics after participating with an Indian passport and birth certificate.
Achievements and Records:
- Norman Pritchard was the First Olympian to act in Hollywood, under the screen name Norman Trevor.
- He scored a hat-trick in an official football match on Indian soil in 1897.
- He won Bengal province’s 100-yard sprint title for seven consecutive years (1894-1900).
Identity and National Representation:
- He was officially listed as an Indian athlete by the International Olympic Committee.
- However, British historians suggest his medals should be credited to Great Britain.
- India’s first official Olympic team was named after becoming a member of the International Olympic Committee in February 1920.
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