Yorkshire appears to have been a hotbed of gymnastics and athletics in the early 20th Century. Many gymnasts from across the county competed in contests at home and abroad, including Tom Parkin.

Tom was born on 18 January 1885 in Slaithwaite, near Huddersfield.

He was captain of the Lingard’s Wood Bottom Gymnastics Club, based in Marsden, again near Huddersfield. Despite only existing for eight short years between 1902 and 1910, the club’s reputation was impeccable. 

Hardly ever beaten, Lingard’s Wood was seen as invincible in the local gymnastics scene. Their rope climbing squad, of which Tom was a member, was considered the best in the area.

On an individual level, Tom placed second in the 1907 Huddersfield District Athletics and Gymnastics Championship high jump event.

Such was his form that Tom earned a call-up to the Great Britain team at the 1908 London Summer Olympics. He finished eight in the Team All-Around event.

Outside of gymnastics, Tom was married to Nora and worked as a wool weaver at Messrs Crowther, Bruce and Company of Marsden. He also taught gymnastics at Marsden Evening School.

Tom enlisted in the British Army in 1916, serving as a Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment). 

He was present at the attack on Belle Vue Spur on 9 October 1917 at the Third Battle of Passchendaele but was wounded and died at No.44 Casualty Clearing Station on 10 October 1917, aged 32.

Tom is buried at Nine Elms British Cemetery.