Richard Goodenough RICE

Educated at Abingdon School, Richard Rice first joined the Surrey AC and then Reading AC and went on to win their 100y title in four consecutive years, 1909-12. In 1911 he represented Reading at the AAA championship in both the 100 and 200y. He was also the Berkshire 440 y champion in 1912 and 1914. At the 1912 Olympic Trials, Rice won his heat in the 100 before being eliminated in the next round, but he fared better in the 200, placing third in the final.

Rice won more than 200 sporting trophies and, in addition to athletics, was a keen footballer and was a founder and playing member of Harwell FC in 1911. Rice served with the Royal Berkshire Regiment during World War I, originally as a Cadet, but on receiving a commission transferred to the Royal Garrison Artillery in 1916 and served in France. Rice qualified as a doctor at London Hospital. Sadly he died at the age of 53. His father, also a doctor, was, at the time, still practicing at the age of 81. At the time of his death, Richard was acknowledged as one of the finest bell-ringers in the Oxfordshire area.

Personal Bests: 100 – 10.9 (1912); 220y – 21.9e (1913).