Seoul, September 1988, Games of the XXIV Olympiad. Australian Barry ROYCROFT, son of William, on Last Tango, performs in the three-day event. Credit: Getty Images/Bob MartinOther names:
ROYCROFT, James William George
ROYCROFT, William George
ROYCROFT, Bill
Born: 17 March 1915
Birthplace: Not available
Nationality: Australia
Sport: Equestrian
ATTENDANCE AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES
Rome 1960
Tokyo 1964
Mexico 1968
Munich 1972
Montreal 1976
AWARDS
Olympic medals:
Gold: 1
Bronze: 2
From Hospital Bed to Gold Medal
During the endurance test of the 1960 eventing event, 45-year-old Bill Roycroft of Australia was thrown from his horse and received a concussion and a broken collarbone. He was sent to a hospital, but he knew that if he withdrew, his team would be disqualified. So the next day, Roycroft left his hospital bed and competed in the jumping test. This allowed the Australians to win gold medals. Over the next 16 years, three of Roycroft's sons represented Australia at the Olympics. Bill himself competed four more times and earned bronze medals in 1968 and 1976 in the eventing team Mixed. His highest placing in the individual event was sixth in 1972.
