George Knott

Who was George Knott?

George Charles Henry Knott is a former Mayor and councillor from 1963–1964 of the City of Collingwood.

Knott enjoyed track and field athletics as a young man and joined his beloved Collingwood Harriers Athletic Club which had been founded in 1926. Knott excelled at walking events and over the years won a number of Victorian and Australian championships. In 1948 there was a large amount of debate over the inclusion of Knott in the 1948 Olympic Games team for Australia. Knott had set an Australian 10,000 metres walk record at the Melbourne Showgrounds.

Knott encountered difficulties with his walking technique whilst in England prior to the 1948 London Olympics. Knott was disqualified in his walking events at the British AAA's Championships and also at Birmingham. This necessitated Knott correcting his style, which left him well behind in his Games heat. During the London Olympic Games, Knott finished last in his heat of the 10,000 metres walk.

After Knott finished his competitive career he became a dedicated and hardworking official, not only for his club Collingwood but also for the State body, the Victorian Amateur Athletic Association.