Alfred Ernest Tysoe (21 March 1874 – 26 October 1901) was an

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athlete, and winner of two gold medals at the

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representing Great Britain.

Biography

Born in the Old Vicarage,

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, near

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England, Tysoe ran part-time with the Skerton Harriers running team while still working as a farm labourer. In 1896, he won the Northern Counties 1000y and one mile titles. His running successes brought him to the attention of

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, founder of Salford Harriers in 1884; in 1897 Tysoe was persuaded to join the Salford club. Within his first year with Salford Harriers, he had won the

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championships at one and ten miles. In 1898, he helped the team to win their sixth National Cross Country championship. At the 1900 Olympic Games in

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, Tysoe was a favourite in the 800m, having just one week before the games won the AAA championship in 1:57.8. He won easily, beating John Cregan from the

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by 3 yards. He also won a gold medal as part of the British team in the 5000m team race. This proved to be his last season on the running track. In 1901, he became severely ill with

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and died at his home in Blackpool, aged 27. He is buried in Layton Cemetery, Blackpool. His gravestone reads: "In loving memory of Alfred Ernest Tysoe. Amateur Champion half-mile runner of the world. Born March 21st 1874, Died October 26th 1901. 'Brief life is here our portion, brief sorrow, short-lived care. The life that knows no ending, the tearless life is there.' This stone was erected by the many admirers of this famous athlete, by whom he was held in the highest esteem."

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Tysoe, Alfred 1874 births 1901 deaths English male middle-distance runners English Olympic medallists People from Padiham Olympic athletes of Great Britain Olympic gold medallists for Great Britain Athletes (track and field) at the 1900 Summer Olympics Medalists at the 1900 Summer Olympics Olympic gold medalists in athletics (track and field)