Starkey's Shot

Sergeant Major Robert Starkey was one of the best known heavyweight athletes during the 1920s and 30s and in 1924 was coach to the British team for the Paris Olympics.

That team included such famous figures as Harald Abrahams and Eric Liddell of Chariots of Fire fame and the American team included swimmer Johnny Weissmuller - Tarzan.

Bob Starkey became very friendly with Clarence Houser - the American shot-putter. In Paris, Houser went on to win not only the gold medal for the Shot Putt, but also for the discus. Houser presented Starkey with the solid brass shot with which he had won the event and Starkey subsequently presented it to Crieff Highland Gathering. The shot can be seen at the Visitors' tent each year.

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