The Olympian Ophthalmologist

The Olympic Games 2024 or Games of the XXXIII Olympiad are in full swing this summer in Paris. The same city hosted the VIII Olympiad a century ago. This year we mark and celebrate Henry Stallard’s determination and achievement in winning a Bronze Medal for Great Britain in 1924.

Henry Stallard became an ophthalmologist at Moorfields. He competed in the 1500 metres, coming third, despite a stress fracture of his foot. As he crossed the finishing line he collapsed in agony and lost consciousness for a quarter of an hour. On coming round his first words were “Sorry, Philip, for the very bad show”. The race was won by Paavo Nurmi, known as ‘The Flying Finn’ in a World Record time.

Henry Stallard’s Olympic bronze medal and his numerous other medals are on display in the Moorfields Museum in the Joint Library of Ophthalmology. You are welcome to visit the library between 9am-5pm to view the display. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists documentary film on the Olympian Ophthalmologist can be watched online.

Video: The Olympian Ophthalmologist from RCOphth on Vimeo.