Storey calls for McArthur recognition

Originally born in Dervock in 1881, K.K McArthur was added to Olympic history when he scooped a gold medal in South African colours at Stockholm, Sweden.

The North Antrim MLA who met with Lord Coe during the latter’s visit to Northern Ireland explained: “Lord Coe’s visit was organised as part of the London 2012 Nations and Regions programme. As part of the visit Lord Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, took the opportunity to update stakeholders on London 2012 developments and future plans with NI 2012 partners.

“For my part I took the opportunity to press him to give recognition to the achievement of Kennedy Kane McArthur in winning the Olympic Marathon event at the 1912 Games.

“This is one of Northern Ireland’s select band of athletes who made it to the highest summit of athletic achievement and became Olympic Champion. The fact that 100 years on from that memorable victory, the Olympic games are to be held in the UK is a great opportunity to give a fitting recognition to his historic success.”