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
EventJavelin throw
ClubThompson Estate and Eastern Suburbs Athletics
Medal record
Men's athletics
Representing  Australia
British Empire and Commonwealth Games
Gold medal – first place 1954 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

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  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.