12 Facts About Launceston Elliot

Launceston Elliot was a British weightlifter, and the first athlete representing the United Kingdom to become an Olympic champion.

Launceston Elliot was conceived in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, after which he was named, but before his birth his family moved to India and he was born in Kaladagi and baptised at Guledgudda, now in Karnataka State.

Launceston Elliot's family was an established part of the Scottish aristocracy with Lord Minto being head of the family which had strong connections with India.

Launceston Elliot was the grandson of Sir Charles Elliot, the onetime governor of Saint Helena, and his father Gilbert Wray Elliot served as magistrate with the Indian Civil Service.

Jensen's lift was accomplished with a superb clean lift whereas Launceston Elliot had certainly encountered difficulty.

Launceston Elliot declined Prince George's courteous offer of a rest break but he asked that he might this time lift after Jensen, as in the two-handed event the Dane had the advantage of lifting after Launceston Elliot.

Launceston Elliot raised 71.0 kilograms without difficulty whereas Jensen, who had injured his shoulder trying to raise 112.5 kilograms in the two-handed event, could only manage 57.0 kilograms and Britain's first Olympic champion was crowned.

Launceston Elliot competed in the 100 metres in the athletics programme.

Launceston Elliot placed third in his heat and did not advance to the final.

Launceston Elliot finished last of the five competitors in the rope climbing event on the gymnastics program.

Launceston Elliot competed at the 1900 Summer Olympics, throwing the discus and placing eleventh.

Launceston Elliot died of cancer of the spine on 8 August 1930 aged 56 and is buried in Melbourne's Fawkner Cemetery.