Stopwatch

This rolled gold stopwatch commemorates the famous race known as 'The Mile of the Century' which New Zealander Jack Lovelock won in 4 minutes 11.2 seconds. It is inscribed on the back with: 'Princeton University Athletic Association Second Annual Invitation Track Meet, Palmer Stadium, June 15, 1935, One Mile Run Won By J.E. Lovelock, 4.11 1/5s.' This was Lovelock’s second-fastest mile, but outside the world record.

The 1930s saw an incredible field of athletic talent, dominated by British, American and Italian runners. Major sports events began to be filmed and broadcast live, raising public interest to a new level. The Princeton race tapped into this and was a major public event, bringing Lovelock to the attention of the world.

Jack Lovelock was one of New Zealand’s greatest athletes, and one of the most celebrated of all Olympic champions for his outstanding record-breaking win of the 1500 metres race at the Berlin Olympics in 1936.

It would appear that this watch was given to Arthur Porritt by Lovelock. Porritt (Olympic medallist and sports administrator) was a lasting friend and advisor to Lovelock.