Written by his son Neville Galibardy
y father Joseph Galibardy
lived in Kharagpur (just west of Calcutta) at the time of the 1936 Olympic Games. It was
there that he met and married my mother Merlin who is also alive and well. They had a
total of 7 children.
While living in Kharagpur, my father worked and played for the BNR Railways. In Calcutta, he worked and played for the Port Comissioners. The family emigrated to England in August 1956, settling in Walthamstow, east London. I have spoken to my father, and the following words came from him.
"A memory that comes to mind. During the 1936 Olympics, while jogging in the training area, I spotted an athlete doing the same on the adjacent track. That track was meant for the American Olympic team. I thought I knew who the person was. I went over to him and told him that he must be the favourite for the events he was entered in.
The athlete suggested that I must be even more of a favourite for a gold medal. I asked why? He in his wisdom said, "this is my first Olympic Games, therefore I cannot be sure. On the other hand, the Indian hockey team has always won the gold medal".
The gentleman in question was none other than the world famous Jesse Owens."
Photo Courtesy : Dean Palmer