Harry Churcher

A London plumber and electrician, Harry Churcher was a track and road walker for Belgrave Harriers. He finished second in the Surrey 2-mile Walking Championship in 1933, but went on to win the county title many times both before and after World War II. Churcher finished fifth in his first AAA Championship race, the two miles, in 1935, but was the 2-mile champion in 1939 and 1948, and 7-mile champion in 1939, and 1947-49. He also won the RWA individual and team 10-mile title in 1947-48, and the CAU (Counties Athletic Union) 10-mile title in 1948. With five major national titles to his name in 1948, Churcher was, naturally, selected for the London Olympics, and after winning his heat in the 10,000 metres walk, finished fifth in the final. Churcher’s older brother Charlie was also a walker for Belgrave Harriers

Personal Best: 10kmW – 45:29.8 (1950).