Harry Kerr (race walker)

New Zealand racewalker Harry KerrPersonal informationFull nameHenry Edward KerrBorn28 January 1879Inglewood, New ZealandDied17 May 1951 (aged 72)Taranaki, New ZealandHeight1.84 m (6 ft 0 in)Weight76 kg (168 lb)RelativeWinston Cowie (great-grandson)SportSportAthletics Medal record Representing Australasia Olympic Games 1908 London 3500 metre walk Henry Edward Kerr (28 January 1879 – 17 May 1951) was a New Zealand athlete who competed mainly in walking events. He competed for Australasia in the 1908 Summer Olympics held in London in the 3500 metre walk where he won the bronze medal. This was the first time a New Zealand-born person had won an Olympic medal. Biography Kerr was born in Taranaki and was a champion shooter and keen rugby player, as well as competing in a variety of track and field events. Competing for a time as a professional he was required to stand down from competition for two years in order to regain his amateur status. After winning numerous national titles Kerr virtually retired in 1912 and briefly served in World War I in mid-1918, but returned to win two more national titles in 1925 at the age of 46. Kerr was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame i