17 Facts About Don Finlay

In 16 international dual meets, Finlay only lost two hurdles races: to Lord Burghley in 1931 and to John Thornton in 1937.

Don Finlay first competed in the 1932 Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles, United States in the 110 metre hurdles where he won the bronze medal.

Don Finlay returned to the 1936 Summer Olympics held in Berlin, Germany where he improved to win the silver medal in the 110 metre hurdles.

Don Finlay was the British Team Captain in the 1948 Summer Olympics in London and was chosen to take the Olympic Oath, though he failed to win any medals in these Games when he was eliminated in the first round of the 110 metre hurdles event, hitting the last hurdle with his leading foot and falling at the finish.

Don Finlay participated in the 1950 British Empire Games and finished fifth in the 120 yards hurdles contest.

Don Finlay was the inter-services champion in the long jump and was RAF champion in the high jump.

Don Finlay was shot down over Ramsgate two days later and was wounded.

Don Finlay claimed his first victory, a Messerschmitt Bf 109, over the Channel on 23 September, and by the end of October 1940 he was credited with a 'share' in a second Bf 109 and a Dornier Do 17 bomber, and had damaged a further three Bf 109s.

Don Finlay was promoted to the rank of wing commander in August 1941, becoming the engineering officer for No 11 Group.

Don Finlay received the Distinguished Flying Cross in June 1942.

Don Finlay then commanded No 608 Squadron RAF, flying Lockheed Hudsons in the Middle East from December 1943 to July 1944.

Don Finlay became a group captain and was posted as SASO, 210 Group.

Don Finlay regularly took part in the station sports meeting and even at the age of 43 won every event he entered: 120-yard hurdles, 100 yard sprint, 220 yard sprint, high jump and the long jump.

Don Finlay took the offered three yard start in full running kit, unlike all the other entrants who were in shirts and rolled-up trousers.

Don Finlay then stopped, turned round and started to run back down the track.

Don Finlay was stationed for much of his time at RAF Acklington, whose chapel contains a later-dedicated stained glass window to honour him.

Don Finlay was severely injured and paralysed in a motor vehicle accident in 1966, which led to his death on 19 April 1970, aged sixty.