Manuello |
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BiographyThe first account of an indigenous athlete was named Manuello, from Victoria who in 1851 beat Tom McLeod, then regarded as the fastest man in Australia, over 100 yards. Manuello also defeated NSW Champion Freed Furnell over 100 yards and 150 yards. Professional running, or 'pedestrianism' as it was referred to, became a popular Australian sport in the 1870s but fell from grace because of heavy gambling and race-fixing. In Australia, the many 'gift' races – some of which still run today - were prestigious events which attracted huge crowds and wagers. Prize money was very attractive: £1000 in Melbourne or £840 in Sydney – which was for some several months and even a year's pay. But corruption was rife and draconian state legislation, especially in Queensland and Victoria, prevented Indigenous participation in virtually every economic enterprise. The Queensland Amateur Athletics Association even tried to disbar all indigenous athletes from the competition on the spurious grounds that they either "lacked moral character" or shockingly "had insufficient intelligence". These appalling excuses were rejected by the national athletics body, leading to the Queensland Association deeming them all professionals in 1903. For years, governments and white athletes created obstacles. It is said that some in the industry even wrote to the Governor of Queensland asking him to ban all Indigenous athletes from competition because they always won. Elsewhere separate initials began appearing after a runner's name in the official race programs, indicating whether they were 'a' (Aboriginal), 'h.c.' (half-caste), or 'c.p.' (coloured person). This bizarre practise lasted from the 1880s until about 1912. |