Britain’s first black Olympic medal winner Harry Edward is set to be inducted into the England Athletics Hall of Fame. The ceremony, taking place in Birmingham this November, will also honor notable athletes like Mo Farah, Sonia Lannaman, and Shirley Strong.

Edward’s induction is marked by a touching tribute that acknowledges him as “a true citizen of the world and a pioneer of British sport.” His legacy includes winning two bronze medals in the 100m and 200m at the 1920 Antwerp Olympics. Notably, he was a three-time AAA 100yd and 220yd champion, achieving remarkable victories in the 1922 AAA championships within just an hour, even receiving personal congratulations from King George V.

After his Olympic success, Edward emigrated to the US, where he faded from public memory. Upon his death in 1973, no British newspaper acknowledged his passing.

Born in Berlin, Edward began his sprinting career as a teenager before being interned during World War I due to his father’s heritage from the British colony of Dominica. After the war, he joined the Polytechnic Harriers and represented Britain in the Olympics. His talent was so revered that fellow sprinter Harold Abrahams, known from Chariots of Fire, considered him one of the greatest.

In 1923, he dedicated his life to civil rights and humanitarian efforts. His autobiography, When I Passed the Statue of Liberty I Became Black, was recently published after being discovered in an archive, earning a spot on the William Hill Sports Book of the Year shortlist.

Other inductees this year include Stephen Miller, a triple Paralympic gold medalist, coach Mike Holmes, and photographer Mark Shearman, highlighting a diverse array of contributions to athletics.