Patrick Leahy (athlete)

Patrick Leahy (Patrick Joseph "Pat" Leahy; 20 May 1877 – 29 December 1927) was an Irish athlete who won Olympic medals (for Great Britain and Ireland) in the high jump and long jump at the 1900 Summer Olympics.

Leahy was born in Cregane, Charleville, County Limerick on the border between County Limerick and County Cork. He was one of seven brothers all of whom were sportsmen. His brother Con won medals in jumping at two Olympic Games. Another brother, Timothy, also jumped competitively. Patrick won the British high jump record in Dublin in 1898 with a jump of 6ft. 4in. (1.93m). He also competed internationally in the long jump and the hop, step and jump (triple jump).

In the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris Leahy took part in three jump disciplines. He won the silver medal in the high jump behind Irving Baxter of the United States, and the bronze medal in the long jump behind Alvin Kraenzlein and Myer Prinstein. He finished in fourth place in the hop, step and jump behind Prinstein, James Connolly and Lewis Sheldon.

In 1909 Patrick and Con Leahy emigrated to the United States. Patrick died there in 1927, aged 50.

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