Ralph DOUBELL

Ralph Doubell’s international athletics career was relatively short, but he peaked at just the right time and right place – an Olympic final. A graduate of the University of Melbourne, Doubell’s first major international victory in 800 metres was at the 1967 Universiade in Tokyo. His next season was severely hampered by Achilles’ tendon problems, and he was unable to compete for six months prior to the Mexico City Olympics. In Mexico, the clear favorite in the Olympic 800 was Kenyan Wilson Kiprugut who led the final field through 400 m in 51.0, and was still leading at the home turn, when Doubell made his move, passing Kiprugut to win gold in a world record equaling time of 1:44.3, a time which stood as the Australian record for almost four decades. Doubell never again competed internationally, his career essentially ended by a calf injury.

Doubell won five Australian titles – the 880 yds in 1965; and the 800 m in 1966-67 and 1969-70. After retiring from sports Doubell worked as Head of Relationship Management and a Director and Divisional Head of Corporate and Institutional Banking for the Deutsche Bank Group in Australia. He was also a Director of Telstra Stadium in Sydney until 2007.

Personal Best: 800 – 1:44.40 (1968).