Charlie Samuels

Charlie Samuels was an Aboriginal sprinter who was known as the greatest of Australia's sprinters.

Born at Jimbour Station in 1863, as a boy Charlie worked at the station doing odd jobs. All of his family were athletic, with his elder brother George being a fair distance runner.

It was in the boom times of foot-running in Sydney that Charlie Samuels made his appearance. Previously he had competed in athletic gatherings on the Darling Downs, but it was not until 1885 that he competed in the third Botany Handicap, but not liking training, he was beaten in his heat.

On his return to Queensland, one of the managers of Jimbour Station, Mr. Billy Robertson, took Charlie in hand, and prepared him for his big races. At his second appearance in Sydney, Charlie blitzed all opposition in the 1886 Botany Handicap. Soon after Harry Hutchens was brought, to Australia from England for the purpose of running against Charlie Samuels. The pair raced each other on four occasions with Charlie winning three of the four races.

Charlie Samuels was 5ft. 7 in. tall and weighed about 9 stone. The secret of his great pace was the long, low, skimming stride, and close hip work. When fully extended his stride averaged from 8ft. to 9ft., and on one occasion his last six strides measured over 9ft. 3ins. each.

Charlie Samuels died in 1912 at Barambah, aged 49 years.