Albert Hill (athlete)

Albert George Hill (24 March 1889 – 8 January 1969) was a British middle-distance athlete who won gold medals in the 800 metres and 1500 metres events at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp.

Hill was born in South London. He initially pursued a career as a stockbroker’s clerk before enlisting in the army at the outbreak of World War I. Serving with distinction, he rose to the rank of Sergeant Major. His running career took off after the war.

At the 1920 Olympics, Hill first won the 800 metres in a time of 1:53.4, defeating Earl Eby of the United States. He then followed up with a victory in the 1500 metres, finishing ahead of Philip Noel-Baker, who would later win the Nobel Peace Prize. Hill also ran in the 3000-meter team race, where Great Britain finished second, earning him a silver medal.

Following his Olympic successes, Hill retired from competitive athletics. He later became a coach, notably working with Sydney Wooderson, another prominent British middle-distance runner. Hill's achievements at the 1920 Olympics made him a national hero and cemented his place in British athletics history. He is remembered as one of the greatest British middle-distance runners of all time.