Emilio Rodríguez

Before becoming a priest, and later an archbishop, Emilio Rodríguez had a brief career as a track and field athlete, specialising in middle-distance running. In 1932 Rodríguez represented Mexico at the Los Angeles Olympics, where he finished seventh in his heat in the 1,500 metres. He also probably ran in the 800 metres, as he is listed as not finishing in his heat by the Los Angeles Times, although some sources have him as not starting the race.

In 1938 Rodríguez was ordained as a priest by his elder brother, Alberto, who was the Bishop of Los Angeles in the Mexican National Catholic Church (MNCC). Six years later he became an American citizen with him working as a pastor in a church in East Los Angeles. He spent 1953 in India as a physical education instructor, adding “Fairfield” to his surname to make it more English-sounding.

With declining numbers in the MNCC, Rodríguez chose to affiliate his church with the Old Roman Catholic Church of Great Britain in 1958. He remained with the church for the next two decades, including consecrating his predecessor Father Michael J. Farrell in 1981. A few months later, however, Farrell resigned, resulting in Rodríguez becoming the archbishop, and the only surviving bishop in the MNCC.

Personal Best: 1500 – unknown.