Background
Arthur Wint, known as the Gentle Giant, was born in Plowden, Manchester, Jamaica.
Diplomat sprinter middle-distance runner
Arthur Wint, known as the Gentle Giant, was born in Plowden, Manchester, Jamaica.
He later transferred to Excelsior High School, where he finished his secondary education.
While at Calabar High School, he ran sprints and did both the high jump and long jump. In 1942 he joined the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan and set the Canadian 400 metre record while training there. He was sent to Britain for active combat during World World War II as a pilot.
He left the Royal Air Force in 1947 to attend Street Bartholomew"s Hospital as a medical student.
Wint missed a probable third medal when he pulled a muscle in the 4 x 400 metres relay final. In Helsinki 1952 he was part of the historic team setting the world record while capturing the gold in the 4 x 400 metres relay.
Wint ran his final race in 1953 at Wembley Stadium, finished his internship, and graduated as a doctor. In 1955 Wint returned to Jamaica, eventually settling in Hanover as the only resident doctor in the parish.
He served as Jamaica"s High Commissioner to Britain and ambassador to Sweden and Denmark from 1974 to 1978.
He was inducted in the Black Athlete’s Hall of Fame in the United States (1977), the Jamaica Sports Hall of Fame (1989) and the Central American & Caribbean Athletic Confederation Hall of Fame (2003). Arthur Wint died on Heroes Day in Linstead, aged 72.
The following year he was made a Member of the British Empire (Administration Member of the Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth World War II