Robert's Story
1936 –
Bob Gardner was chosen as a walker for three Olympic Games, Tokyo 1964, Mexico City 1968 and Munch 1972. He competed in 20 kilometres and 50 kilometres events at Tokyo where he finished and excellent fifth in the longer event. This was, at the time, was the next best result by an Australian Olympic walker, behind the silver medals of George Parker at Antwerp 1920 and Noel Freeman at Rome 1960 and the latter’s fourth earlier at Tokyo.
Gardiner finished a creditable 19th out of 50 competitors, in the energy-sapping longer walk at Mexico City 1968. He was chosen to compete at his third Olympics at Munich 1972, but a groin injury precluded his attending. He was, however, permitted to keep his uniform which had been issued prior to his withdrawal from the team.
At the 1970 Commonwealth Games at Edinburgh, Gardiner finished second, behind Freeman, in the 20 miles walk.
