The sporting world mourns the loss of a truly unique figure, as James Manclark, the Scottish farmer turned Olympian who famously invented the eccentric game of elephant polo, has died at the age of 86. His family confirmed the celebrated 'all round sportsman' passed away 'very peacefully' at his home last month.
From Farm to Olympic Stage
Mr Manclark, a former farmer from Haddington in East Lothian, embarked on an extraordinary athletic journey. He first took up the luge while on holiday in Switzerland in 1964, demonstrating a natural aptitude for the winter sport. Just four years later, he represented Great Britain in the men's singles luge event at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France, finishing 40th out of 52 competitors.
His Olympic ambitions continued, as he was selected to compete in the bobsleigh for Great Britain at the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan. However, his participation was thwarted when his brakeman withdrew, forcing Mr Manclark to pull out of the Games.
The Bizarre Birth of Elephant Polo
Beyond conventional sports, James Manclark's legacy is perhaps most colourfully defined by his role in creating elephant polo. In the early 1980s, over a drink with fellow bobsleigh competitor Jim Edwards, the pair conceived the idea of adapting traditional polo to be played atop elephants instead of horses.
This led to the founding of the World Elephant Polo Association. The sport became a registered Olympic sport in Nepal, where the World Championships were held annually for nearly 35 years. The championships were eventually cancelled due to growing concerns over animal welfare and cruelty fears, marking the end of an unusual sporting era.
A Life of Adventure and Setbacks
Mr Manclark's adventurous spirit extended far beyond the luge track and polo field. In 1999, he attempted to become the first person to circumnavigate the globe in a hot-air balloon. The ambitious £1 million endeavour launched from Spain but was dashed after 19 days when the balloon was forced to ditch in Japan. Despite the failure, the attempt did set a world balloon endurance record at the time.
His sporting pursuits also ventured into horse racing. Last year, he purchased a nine-year-old gelding named Mr Incredible specifically to run in the Grand National at Aintree. However, his dream was crushed when the British Horseracing Authority banned the horse's entry, deeming it 'unruly' and unfit to compete.
A Remarkable and Fulfilled Life
A death notice published by his family paints a picture of a man of many talents and passions. It describes him as a 'farmer, Olympian, businessman, property developer and investor, all round sportsman and (jointly) the inventor of Elephant Polo,' adding that 'James had a remarkable, fulfilled and inspirational life'.
He is survived by his wife Patricia, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage. The notice states he was 'loved' and 'will forever be remembered' by her. In accordance with his wishes, his funeral will be held in private, allowing family and close friends to pay their respects to this one-of-a-kind sportsman and inventor.
