Alfred Joseph Watson was born on 26 May 1907, the son of Thomas Watson and Flora Henrietta Watson (née Dowell). His eldest brother, Russell Henry Watson, was an Australian amateur middle-distance champion who held titles in the mile, half-mile, and 440 hurdles.
Education and Early Life
- School: Attended Caulfield Grammar School from 1917 to 1919
- Further Education: Attended Ivanhoe Grammar School, where he excelled in sports.
- Athletics: Competed in sprinting and high jump.
- Australian Rules Football: Member of the school’s First XVIII from 1922 to 1924.
- Cricket: Played with the school’s First XI from 1921 to 1924, captained the team in 1923 and 1924, and won the Associated Grammar Schools’ batting average in 1924.
Olympic Participation
- 1928 Amsterdam Olympics:
- Competed in the 110 metre hurdles and the 400 metre hurdles, but was eliminated in the first round of both events.
- 1936 Berlin Olympics:
- Again competed in the 110 metre hurdles and the 400 metre hurdles, but was eliminated in the first round of both events.
Empire Games
- 1938 British Empire Games:
- Relay Team: Member of the Australian relay team that won the bronze medal in the 4×110 yards competition.
- 440 Yards Hurdles: Finished fourth.
Retirement
Alf announced his retirement from competitive athletics in November 1938.
