Harry Finchett

Birmingham-born Harry Finchett was many times the Birmingham and Midlands gymnastics champion, and after finishing runner-up to Stanley Leigh three years in succession (1922-24), Finchett eventually won the national title in 1925. Coached by Alf Bradley, he won a second title in 1927, when the championship was held in Birmingham. It was not held in the city again until 1956 when, coincidentally, Finchett was the chairman of the Birmingham Athletic Association. He was also an official of the Birmingham branch of the Amateur Gymnastic Association.

Finchett, who started his gymnastic career at the age of 14, went on to appear in three Olympics between 1920-28 and was the gymnastics team captain at Amsterdam. Finchett became a gymnastics judge after his active career. His wife Clarice was also a local gymnastics champion.