The Manu Bhaker created history by clinching bronze medal in the mixed team 10m air pistol events at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Tuesday. Earlier on Sunday, 22-year-old had bagged women’s 10m air pistol bronze medal. These remarkable achievements placed her in a league of her own among Indian Olympians.
The youngster became part of a unique list of Indians who have bagged two medals in Olympics including: PV Sindhu, Sushil Kumar and Norman Pritchard*.
But a question rises: Is Manu Bhaker first to win two medals in single Olympics for India? The answer is not that simple and this is where a certain individual named Norman Pritchard arrives.
Who is Norman Pritchard?
Norman Pritchard’s story is a fascinating one, intertwined with the complexities of colonial history and Olympic record-keeping. While he holds a unique place in Indian athletics, the question whether he was truly the first Indian to win two medals in a single Olympics remains debatable.
Norman Pritchard’s Accomplishment:
- Born in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1875, Pritchard achieved success at the 1900 Paris Olympics while playing for British India.
- He secured silver medals in both the 200m sprint and 200m hurdles.
Controversy around Norman Pritchard
- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) attributes these medals to India.
- However, World Athletics (formerly IAAF) credits them to Great Britain.
Reasons for dispute
- Pre-Independence Era: Norman Pritchard competed during a time when India was under British rule.
- Lack of Clear Records: The early Olympic Games had less stringent record-keeping practices compared to today.
Norman Pritchard Legacy
- Celebrated by Many in India: The Athletics Federation of India recognizes him as a national sporting icon.
- A Controversial Figure: The attribution of his medals remains a point of contention within the international sporting community.
True “First” for India: Manu Bhaker vs Norman Pritchard
- Manu Bhaker, in the 2024 Paris Olympics, became the first athlete representing independent India to win two medals in a single edition.
- She clinched a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol and a bronze in the mixed 10m air pistol event.
So who is first anyway?
While Norman Pritchard’s achievements hold historical significance, the official record reflects Manu Bhaker as the first Indian athlete to win two medals within a single Olympic Games representing independent India.
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