Norman Pritchard: The Man Before Manu Bhaker

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Manu Bhaker's bronze in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event saw her claim a unique record.

Image: AFP

She became the first Indian athlete to win two Olympic medals in a single edition, since the country gain independence.

Image: AFP

Before Manu, only one Indian athlete had won two medals in a single Olympics.

Image: AFP

That athlete was British-Indian sprinter Norman Pritchard, who did it in the 1900 Olympics, coincidentally also held in Paris.

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Pritchard won two silvers - in the 200m race and the 200m hurdles.

Image: AFP

But despite being born in Calcutta, India, his British origin has led to many doubts over the legitimacy of India's medals.

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Pritchard had qualified for the 1900 Olympics representing an Indian club (Bengal Presidency Athletic Club) and a British club (Amateur Athletics Association of England).

Image: AFP

The IAAF Statistical Handbook of 2019 credited Pritchard's medals to Great Britain.

Image: AFP

Back in 1900, the New York Times had also referred to him as an 'Englishman'.

Image: The New York Times

However, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has included him in the Indian athletics 'Hall of Fame'.

Image: AFP

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