Joseph Michael Lynch (22 April 1878 – 10 March 1952) was an Australian long-distance runner.

He was the youngest son of Irish immigrants John Lynch and Mary Hassett.

At the 1908 Summer Olympics, Lynch competed in three events, in the 1500 metres event, he finished fifth in his heat and only the winners of the heats qualified for the final,[4] he also competed in the Marathon race and the 5 miles competition but didn't finish either race, he retired from the Marathon after five miles,[5][6] he was due to participate in the 800 metres but in the end he didn't compete in it.

He never really returned to athletics and carried on living a simple life in Sydney, Australia.

[9] Lynch was also an actor, which saw him perform in Australia, the United States, and London.