Percy Hodge

Percy Hodge (26 December 1890 – 27 December 1967) was a British athlete, winner of the 3000 m steeplechase at the 1920 Summer Olympics, held in Antwerp.

The 1920 Summer Olympics were the first to include a (now common) 3000 m steeplechase. This was run on a grass course, unlike later competitions. Percy Hodge was the favourite to win the gold medal, easily winning his heat and outrunning the rest of the field. He won the competition with a time of 10:00.4, 50m ahead of second-placed Patrick Flynn from the United States. Hodge also ran in the heats of the 3000 m team event.

Hodge was also an AAA champion in 2 miles steeplechase from 1919 to 1921 and in 1923. He also finished ninth at the International Cross Country Championships and helped his team to win a first place earlier in 1920.

Olympic champions in men's 3000 m steeplechase
  • 1900 (2500 m): George Orton (CAN)
  • 1900 (4000 m): John Rimmer (GBR)
  • 1904 (2590 m): James Lightbody (USA)
  • 1908 (3200 m): Arthur Russell (GBR)
  • 1920: Percy Hodge (GBR)
  • 1924: Ville Ritola (FIN)
  • 1928: Toivo Loukola (FIN)
  • 1932 (3460 m): Volmari Iso-Hollo (FIN)
  • 1936: Volmari Iso-Hollo (FIN)
  • 1948: Tore Sjöstrand (SWE)
  • 1952: Horace Ashenfelter (USA)
  • 1956: Chris Brasher (GBR)
  • 1960: Zdzisław Krzyszkowiak (POL)
  • 1964: Gaston Roelants (BEL)
  • 1968: Amos Biwott (KEN)
  • 1972: Kip Keino (KEN)
  • 1976: Anders Gärderud (SWE)
  • 1980: Bronisław Malinowski (POL)
  • 1984: Julius Korir (KEN)
  • 1988: Julius Kariuki (KEN)
  • 1992: Matthew Birir (KEN)
  • 1996: Joseph Keter (KEN)
  • 2000: Reuben Kosgei (KEN)
  • 2004: Ezekiel Kemboi (KEN)
  • 2008: Brimin Kipruto (KEN)
  • 2012: Ezekiel Kemboi (KEN)

Percy Hodge buried his Antwerp Gold medal with his daughter who died at an early age in Weymouth.