Charles Samuels (1863/1864–1912) was an Aboriginal Australian athlete known for being a pedestrianism practitioner and a competitive sprinter.[1] As an Aboriginal Australian, he grew up in a community of Baruŋgam people (Bunyinni people). He was also acquainted with the family of Australian politician Joshua Peter Bell.[1]
Charles Samuels | |
|---|---|
| Born | Sambo Combo Jimbour station, southern Queensland |
| Died | 13 October 1912 Barambah |
| Known for | Competitive athlete |
| Height | 170 cm (5 ft 7 in) |
In 1887 Samuels raced and won against British celebrity runner Harry Hutchens.[2] In that same year he also raced against athletes Tom Malone and Ted Lazarus.[2] According to a researcher for the State Library of Queensland, it is believed that Samuels once met the Queensland Governor Sir William MacGregor in 1911.[2]
Samuels was regarded as a popular figure in Australian sports despite having a reputation for fighting and alcoholism.[1] However his reputation was ruined following his arrest and commitment to the Callan Park Hospital for the Insane after being diagnosed with "melancholia".[1] He died of tuberculosis in 1912.[1] His death was reported in The Brisbane Courier.[3]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e Blades, Genevieve; Edwards, Ken, "Charles Samuels (1864–1912)", Australian Dictionary of Biography, Canberra: National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, retrieved 2024-06-03
- ^ a b c "Charles Samuels (1863-1912)". State Library of Queensland. 2019-07-12. Retrieved 2024-06-03.
- ^ "DEATH OF CHARLIE SAMUELS". Brisbane Courier. 1912-10-25. Retrieved 2024-06-03.