1952 - Helsinki

Albert Webster (No 2) beats Roger Bannister in the 800 metres event at White City

Albert Webster, the 6ft ex- Fleet Air Arm Telegraphist Air Gunner, came late to athletics at the age of 24. After breaking his arm playing rugby he took up running to keep fit, but soon found he could run a half-mile faster than almost everyone. He was a cross country champion and travelled to Europe with the Great Britain and Northern Island team in the run up to the 1952 Olympics.

The son of a Nottinghamshire miner Albert Webster worked full time in the Post Office and had to train after work. He wasn’t able to train directly with a coach, but instead received advice by letter. He went to the 1952 Helsinki Olympics with next week’s housekeeping in his pocket and placed fifth overall in the 800m.

In September 1951 Albert Webster was part of the 4X880 yard relay team with Bill Nankeville, Frank Evans and John Parlett, setting a world record of 7:30.6. Albert Webster was a contemporary of Roger Bannister whom he defeated on three occasions.

After his competitive career ended Albert Webster maintained his interest in sport and coached International athletes in London.

Albert Webster was the first site manager at the British Telecom research station at Martlesham, overseeing the building and initial staffing, before becoming the Personnel and Finance Executive.

Despite 6 pins in each ankle and two metal knees Albert swam every weekday at 7 a.m. in his local pool until just a few years before his death in June 2010 aged 85.

“It was great fun and I enjoyed it all”