Jack Winter

Jack Winter’s athletic career only began properly after World War II, during which he served in England with the Australian Air Force. Educated at Scotch College, his jumping skill was evident early and he often practiced with a pogo stick or jumping over a clothesline. After breaking the Australian record in 1947, and winning the 1947 and 1948 Australian Championship, he returned to England for the 1948 London Olympics.

Winter wasn’t considered for a medal in the high jump, partially due to his outdated style (the so-called “Eastern Cut-Off”). But the cold and rainy conditions were hard on the competitors, and Winter emerged as the winner, the only one to clear 1.98 m, despite jumping with a back injury, making him the first ever Olympic gold medalist from Western Australia.

Winter would jump that same height two years later at the British Empire Games in Auckland, again winning the gold medal. This was also end of bank clerk Winter’s track and field career, in which he won three Australian titles. Winter, who later also coached young athletes, was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1986.

Personal Best: HJ – 2.013 (1948).