Duncan Pugh

Duncan Pugh
Personal information
NationalityAustralian
Born(1974-12-02)2 December 1974
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
Died25 January 2023(2023-01-25) (aged 48)
Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Height1.90 m (6 ft 3 in)
Weight105 kg (231 lb)
Sport
Country Australia (2007–2010)
SportBobsleigh
Achievements and titles
Olympic finalsVancouver 2010

Duncan Michael Pugh (2 December 1974 – 25 January 2023) was an Australian bobsledder.

Early life

Pugh was born in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.[1] In 1981, he and his family moved to Perth, Western Australia. As a youth, he competed in athletics. At age 12, he represented Western Australia at the Australian track and field championships. He specialised in the 400m hurdles.[1]

Pugh attended Trinity College[1] and Edith Cowan University.[2] After completing university with a degree in physical and outdoor education, he returned to England to work at several schools in London.[1]

Career

Pugh was introduced to bobsleigh by Ted Polglaze[1] and debuted on the international circuit in 2007 at the age of 32. He won bronze at the 2009 America's Cup in Canada with Christopher Spring. He then qualified for the 2010 Vancouver Games but was knocked out in the first round when he and pilot Jeremy Rolleston's sled flipped over and saw them slide down the course upside-down.[3]

Personal life

Pugh was the son of Diane and David. He had two sisters, Rebecca and Hannah.[1]

Pugh and his wife McKenzie had two sons.[3]

Pugh taught at Newman College in Perth for 17 years.[3] He was also a surf lifesaver[3] and a volunteer rugby coach at Wests Scarborough Rugby Union Club.[4]

Death

On 24 January 2023, Pugh suffered a brain aneurysm in his hometown, Perth.[4] He died the following day at the age of 48.[3][5]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Cornish, Patrick (3 March 2023). "Duncan Pugh obituary: From Trinity student to respected Newman College teacher via the Olympics". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 11 November 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  2. ^ "Duncan Pugh, Bobsleigh". vancouver2010.com. Archived from the original on 20 February 2010.
  3. ^ a b c d e "'A legend': Aussie Winter Olympian Duncan Pugh dies suddenly at 48". news.com.au. 31 January 2023. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  4. ^ a b Escobar, Natalie (31 January 2023). "Duncan Pugh: Perth man and Australian Olympic bobsledder dies aged 48 after brain aneurysm". perthnow.com.au. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  5. ^ "Duncan Pugh". Olympedia. Retrieved 29 January 2023.