Gerry Ashworth

Gerry Ashworth, born on May 1, 1942, in Haverhill, Massachusetts, emerged as a prominent figure in the world of athletics. As a former track athlete, he made his mark by winning a gold medal in the 4 × 100 meter relay at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. His remarkable talent was further showcased at the 1964 Maccabiah Games in Tel Aviv, Israel, where he secured two gold medals in sprinting events.

Raised in a family of three children, Gerry was the son of Gladys Brown Ashforth and Earl Ashforth. His father, a successful shoe manufacturer, began his career at the young age of twenty and eventually owned multiple shoe companies across Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont. Earl was also an active community member, serving as President of Temple Emmanuel in Haverhill and the Haverhill Country Club before retiring to Sarasota, Florida, in 1974.

Gerry's athletic prowess was recognized internationally; in 1963, he was rated seventh in the world for indoor competition, and by 1964, he achieved an eighth world ranking in both the outdoor 100 Yards and 100 Meters distances. His contributions to the sport were further honored when his parents donated the first electronic timing device used at Dartmouth's Leverone Field House, enhancing the spectator experience by displaying scores and electronic times.