Charlie Booth

Charlie Booth (1 October 1903 – 20 May 2008)[1] was an Australian athlete.

For other people with the same name, see Charles Booth.

Charlie Booth
Born(1903-10-01)1 October 1903
Died20 May 2008(2008-05-20) (aged 104)
Known forathlete

Career

In the 1930s, he was a champion runner who participated in several Stawell Gifts, until a victory in 1939. He was also a fitter and turner apprentice. Booth is widely credited for inventing starting blocks for sprinting races, along with his father.[1]

When he first used his invention in a race, made from a T-bar and a block of wood cut in half, he was disqualified for life. The decision was overturned a few weeks later.[2]

At age 100, Booth gave a rare interview about his long and successful life.[3]

In 2006, the then 102-year-old wanted to run in a special Stawell Gift over-40s race, with the prize being a pig, but in the end he decided against it.[1]

Death

In 2007, he celebrated his 104th birthday with a small private party.[4] Nearly eight months later in May 2008, Booth died at the age of 104.

References
  1. Vale Charlie Booth 1903–2008 Archived 20 November 2008 at Archive.today
  2. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 14 November 2014.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. A marathon man with plenty of punch left yet - FeaturesGeneral - www.theage.com.au
  4. "Booth's 104th birthday". goldcoast.com.au. 27 September 2007. Retrieved 10 December 2007.


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