50 years since ‘one of the greatest achievements in the history of Australian sport’
Today marks 50 years since an Australian man won an Olympic track gold medal, courtesy of a man named Ralph Doubell.
The Mexico 1968 Olympic Games have become known as one of the most dramatic in history.
Hundreds of protestors were killed, the black power salute was beamed around the world and Ralph Doubell put in one of the greatest track performances ever seen.
With one lap to go in the 800 metres, Ralph was in fourth place, with the unbeatable Wilson Kiprugut in control of the race.
He pushed forward and became the only man in Olympic history to win the event after trailing in the home straight.
He did so in the world record-equalling time of one minute 44.3 seconds.
Click PLAY below to watch the race
“That is one of the greatest achievements in the history of Australian sport,” says Alan Jones.
A new book Ralph Doubell – Don’t Worry It’s Only Pain details that extraordinary feat.
Ralph tells Alan the events of that day are burned into his memory.
“I can still remember, yard by yard, what I felt like and what the challenges were.”
Click PLAY below for the full interview