Jack Donaldson (athlete)

Growing up in Inglewood, Donaldson, along with his brothers Don, Frank and Dick were prominent athletes and footballers.

In 1906, aged 20, Donaldson started as favourite in the Stawell Gift with a handicap of 11 yards, but was narrowly beaten by E W Thompson.

At Johannesburg, South Africa, on 12 February 1910, he established a world record of 9 3/8 seconds for the 100 yard dash.

Between his overseas tours Jack often returned to Inglewood to be with his family, and at Bendigo in 1911, he competed in a series of footraces against Arthur Postle of Queensland.

Holding six world records during his career, Donaldson's most enduring marks were: 100 yards in 9.375 seconds (set at Johannesburg, 1910), which stood until 1948.