Summary

This medal (as well as a silk sash) was awarded to Hubert Opperman, member of the Malvern Cycling Club, for his victory in the 3rd Division Senior Cadet 10 Mile Cycling Road Race on 22nd October 1921. Opperman had been competing in road and track cycling races all year but this, at just 17 years of age, was his first win. There were 22 starters and Opperman finished in a time of 27 minutes 37 seconds. He had finished fourth in this race in the previous year.

In his 1977 autobiography, "Pedals, Politics and People", Opperman fondly reflected on his memory of the victory as one of his most emotional rides: "no later victory could possibly bring any stronger emotion than when I won at Footscray in 1921."

In a newspaper report following this event, he was described as someone who "can be relied upon to prove his worth within the next year or two. For one so young he races with great judgment. Experience will make a wonderful difference in his riding."

Physical Description

Green and white on gold. Image of the rising sun behind a crown (Australian Army official insignia).

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