James Achurch

James Dudley Achurch (21 January 1928 – 5 November 2015)[1] was an Australian javelin thrower who competed in the 1956 Summer Olympics.[2] He won the gold medal in the men's javelin throw event at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Vancouver, Canada.[3]

James Achurch
Personal information
Full nameJames Dudley Achurch
NationalityAustralian
Born(1928-01-21)21 January 1928
Epping, New South Wales
Died5 November 2015(2015-11-05) (aged 87)
Nambour, Queensland
Sport
CountryAustralia
SportAthletics
Event(s)Javelin throw
ClubThompson Estate and Eastern Suburbs Athletics
Medal record
Men's athletics
Representing  Australia
British Empire and Commonwealth Games
Gold medal – first place1954 Vancouver Javelin
Updated on 23 November 2015.

Achurch discovered his talent while growing up on a farm in New South Wales and throwing rocks and rabbits. His father later sold the farm and purchased a tennis center, where James learned to play the game as well.

Over the years, Achurch worked in multiple professions, including running a passionfruit and pineapple farm, as well as a carriage builder, a house painter, and a wardsman, plus running maintenance contracts for Nambour General Hospital.[4]

References
  1. James Achurch's obituary
  2. Evans, Hilary; Gjerde, Arild; Heijmans, Jeroen; Mallon, Bill; et al. "James Achurch". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on 16 December 2012. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
  3. "James Achurch". Australian Commonwealth Games Association. Archived from the original on 29 February 2016. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  4. "Jim Achurch". Olympedia. OLYMadMen. Retrieved 7 October 2022.


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