Manu Bhaker is on a roll, winning her second bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She now joins Norman Pritchard as the only other Indian to win two medals in one Olympics. Pritchard took home two silver medals in the 200-meter hurdles and sprint at the 1900 Paris Olympics.
Pritchard dominated the Bengal province’s 100-yard sprint title for seven years, from 1894 to 1900, setting a meet record in 1898-99. He also secured wins in the 120-yard hurdles and the 440-yard (¼ mile) run. Pritchard placed second in the 1900 AAA Championships 120-yard hurdles and advanced to the 110-meter hurdles final but was unable to complete. Although he competed in the 60 and 100 meters sprint events, he did not reach the finals.
Besides his athletic achievements, Pritchard was also a sports administrator, serving as the Secretary of the Indian Football Association from 1900 to 1902. He moved to Britain in 1905 and made it his new home.
Norman Pritchard’s Nationality Debate: IOC Credits Him as Indian Despite Controversy
Despite his Indian heritage, a controversy surrounds Pritchard’s nationality. British historians argue that Pritchard was British, not Indian, citing his colonial family roots. British Olympic historian Ian Buchanan declared Pritchard’s Britishness. Although born in India, the New York Times called him an “Englishman.” The Olympics’ website mentions his participation in the 1900 AAA Championships and membership in both the London AC and the Bengal Presidency AC, complicating the determination of his nationality.
A Telegraph article states that The Field magazine called Pritchard an “Indian champion,” adding that, of the nations at the Paris Olympics, “only a handful had registered their NOCs,” excluding both India and Great Britain.
Both sides present compelling arguments about Pritchard’s nationality, dividing public opinion. The IOC credits India with Pritchard’s nationality, supporting India’s claim to the athlete.
Read Also – Manu Bhaker made history in Paris. She became the first Indian to win many medals at a single Olympic Games.
