Henry Leeke (athlete)

Henry Leeke (c.1846 – 1922) was a notable British amateur athlete, and one-time Amateur Champion of England in the hammer throw.

Early years

Born in Holbrook, Derbyshire, Leeke was the son of the Reverend William Leeke, noted Waterloo historian, and famous for carrying the Colour of the 52nd Light Infantry during the battle.

Athletic career

He represented the University of Cambridge in the hammer throw and shot put,"A Notable Athlete", "The Times" Thursday, February 23 1922, p. 15, col. 4] winning the hammer event against Oxford in 1868. He was recognised as "one of the pioneers of British hammer throwing", and was the AAC Champion in 1868,1870 and 1872.cite web | url=http://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/le/henry-leeke-1.html | |title= Henry Leeke|accessdate=2008-09-10 |author= |date= |work=Olympics at Sports Reference |publisher=Sports Reference LLC]

Personal life

He married the daughter of Matthew Wise of Shrubland Hall, Leamington,"Biographies and Services", "The Times", Wednesday 2 June 1915, p. 8 col. 4] with whom he had five daughters and one son, Henry Alan Leeke, who represented Great Britain at the 1908 Summer Olympics, and who died in 1915.

Leeke died at Cliff House, Leamington on 21 February, 1922, aged 76.

References