The athletics coach Scipio Africanus “Sam” Mussabini (1867-1927) was a pioneer in both professional and amateur sport in Britain.
A blue plaque was unveiled yesterday (Wed 11 July) at 84 Burbage Road, Herne Hill. The rain stopped, the sky cleared, and the sun shone. Over 60 people were present, including members of the Herne Hill Society, the Dulwich Society, Herne Hill Harriers and the Velodrome Campaign.
The speakers were Susan Skedd, Blue Plaques expert from English Heritage, Kevin Kelly from Herne Hill Harriers, who gave us details of Sam's life and achievements, Hillary Peachey from the Velodrome Campaign, and Lord Terence Higgins, former Alleyn's pupil and member of the British athletic team at the 1948 and 1952 Olympics.
Lord Higgins spoke about what an inspiration Sam, and Sam’s protégés and protégées, were and Ben Cross (who played Harold Abrahams in the film Chariots of Fire) unveiled the plaque. Both are seen below.
It was a splendid celebration of the life of an important figure in British athletics.
Photo © James O Davies, English Heritage
Report by Robert Holden and Sheila Northover
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