J Duffy of Broxburn-Famous Runner

[Jack Davidson]

Hullo,Im researching the career of a famous pro runner of the 1920's and 30's,J Duffy of Broxburn,West Lothian. His real name was Bernard Rodden.I believe he was born c 1903/4 and died in 1973.If anyone can help,that would be much appreciated.Jack Davidson

[MonicaL]

Hi Jack

Welcome to Rootschat 

Just wondering...why would Bernard Rodden have gone by another name do you think?

It is just that I saw this info here, for a Jock Duffy which fitted relatively well to what you mention, just the issue of birth year and name.

www.scottishdistancerunninghistory.co.uk/Jock%20Duffy.htm

Monica

[MonicaL]

Likely just a co-incidence the name above.

Mention here of a Bernard Rodden aka J Duffy as you have mentioned (pgs. 15&17) www.nuts.org.uk/trackstats/ts_index31-46.pdf

There is a birth on the official pay to view site www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk in Uphall, West Lothian in 1903 for a Bernard Rodden. If he died in Scotland. possible death for him in Edinburgh in 1976. The death reg can't be viewed online due to how recent it is, but birth registrations older than 100yrs can be viewed online.

There is also a shipping manifest entry for a 51 yr old Bernard Rodden returning to the UK from Montréal, Québec, Canada into Liverpool on the 'Empress of Australia' on 21 Sep 1954. He gave an address in Bognor Regis. His occupation shows as a University Coach. Wondered whether he was the Bernard you are looking at.

Monica

[Jack Davidson]

Monica,Thank you very much for that info.Bernard Rodden used another name as was common among pro runners of the time,a few differeing explanations have been suggested for that.The B R returning from Canada sounds as if its him,he did have family out there.Thanks very much again,best wishes,Jack D

[Stoward]

Hi My name is Stoward my Uncle was a Scottish runner at the same time as John Duffy Broxburn
they both ran in the final of the Powder Hall half mile John Duffy came first my uncle was second
Both runners went to the 1934 world champion ships in London again John Duffy came first my Uncle second.  the world championships in London in 1934 are on utube. Under professional Running I made a comment on the utube race.  I am researching my Uncles running career both Duffy and my Uncle competed regularly. I am sure it is the same Duffy. e was a spectacular runner I am logging the races he ran in along with other great runners of the 1920s and 1930s

Hope to hear from you.
Stoward