Sir Adolphe Abrahams | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Born | |
Died | 11 December 1967 | (aged 84)
Nationality | British |
Education | Bedford School Bedford Modern School |
Alma mater | Emmanuel College, Cambridge |
Occupation | Physician |
Spouse | Adrienne Walsh |
Children | 2 |
Awards |
|
Sir Adolphe Abrahams OBE FRCP (6 February 1883 – 11 December 1967) was a British medical doctor, and he is considered to be the founder of British sports science.[1][2]
Abrahams was born in Cape Town on 6 February 1883, as the son of Isaac and Esther Abrahams.[1] He was educated at Bedford Modern School between 1891 and 1899,[1][3][4][5] at Bedford School, and at Emmanuel College, Cambridge.[1][6][4][7]
Abrahams is considered the founder of British sports science.[2] He was the medical officer in charge of the British Olympic teams from 1912 until 1948.[1] He was also the President of the British Association of Sports and Medicine, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine.[8]
Abrahams was knighted in 1939.[1]
Abrahams married Adrienne Walsh in 1922; they had a son and a daughter.[1] He was the elder brother of the athletes Harold Abrahams CBE and Sir Sidney Abrahams KC. He died on 11 December 1967.[1]
In the Oscar-winning film Chariots of Fire, about his brother Harold Abrahams played by Ben Cross, Harold shows his friend a picture of his brother, a doctor, who was Adolphe Abrahams.