Theodore Allen (22 February 1914 − 16 November 2003) was a New Zealand middle-distance runner, who represented his country at the

1938 British Empire Games The 1938 British Empire Games was the third British Empire Games, the event that evolved to become the Commonwealth Games. Held in Sydney, Australia from 5–12 February 1938, they were timed to coincide with Sydney's sesqui-centenary (150 ye ...

in Sydney, New South Wales.

Biography

Born in Dunedin in 1914, Allen was the son of Theodore Allen and his wife Hester Ann Watkins. He was the New Zealand 880 yards champion in 1937, in a time of 1:55.8. At the 1938 British Empire Games in Sydney, Allen won the first heat of the 880 yards in an Australian record time, before his compatriot

Pat Boot Vernon Patrick Boot (22 October 1914 – 15 January 1947) was a New Zealand middle-distance runner who represented his country at the 1936 Summer Olympics and at the 1938 British Empire Games, winning gold and bronze medals at the latter. Earl ...

won the second heat in a time 2.2 seconds faster than Allen's. In the final, Boot won the gold medal, while Allen finished in fifth place. In the 1 mile event, Allen finished fourth in his heat, but in the final he did not finish, withdrawing from the race at the half-way point. During World War II, Allen was a second lieutenant in the New Zealand Railway Operating Group. He died in Perth, Western Australia in 2003.

References

1914 births 2003 deaths Athletes from Dunedin New Zealand male middle-distance runners Commonwealth Games competitors for New Zealand Athletes (track and field) at the 1938 British Empire Games New Zealand military personnel of World War II New Zealand Athletics Championships winners {{NewZealand-athletics-bio-stub