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Boxing brought Redcliffe to the world stage in 1948 when local athlete Graham Higham represented Australia in the London Olympics.
Redcliffe’s Pride on the Global Stage
Redcliffe produced its first Olympian when Graham Nathaniel Higham stepped into the boxing ring at the 1948 London Olympics. Representing Australia in the middleweight division, Higham faced the world’s best at the post-war “Austerity Games,” held at the Wembley Empire Pool.
His participation marked a historic moment for the local community, highlighting Redcliffe as a town capable of producing athletes who compete at the highest level.
Early Life and Rise in Boxing
Born on January 24, 1928, in Margate, Queensland, Higham began boxing at age 13 after losing his first bout. Under the guidance of coach Jack O’Brien, he quickly climbed the ranks, claiming the Queensland middleweight championship at just 17.
By 19, he had won 61 of 65 fights, and his amateur career eventually reached 101 victories from 107 matches by the time he retired in 1952. Higham also held the Australian middleweight title from 1945 to 1949, establishing himself as one of the nation’s top boxers.
Olympic Challenge and Achievements
At the 1948 Olympics, Higham competed in the men’s middleweight boxing event but was eliminated in the opening round. The bout took place in a temporary floating ring in the Wembley Empire Pool, which had not been drained after swimming competitions.
Despite the early loss, his presence at the Olympics brought international attention to Redcliffe, inspiring young athletes in the region to pursue competitive sports.
Life After Boxing
Higham turned professional in 1953, fighting four matches in New Zealand before retiring in 1954. He and his wife, Ailsa, ran a bed and breakfast in Redcliffe, later moving to Dayboro in 1964. Ailsa was also a notable athlete, representing Redcliffe and Queensland in hockey.
Higham passed away on December 19, 1988, but his achievements are remembered on Redcliffe’s Wall of Fame in the Jetty Arcade, celebrating his contribution to the town’s sporting history.
Legacy in the Community
Graham Higham remains a figure of local pride, symbolising Redcliffe’s ability to nurture sporting talent that reaches international levels.
His story continues to encourage young athletes across the Moreton Bay region to aim for excellence and pursue their ambitions with dedication and resilience.
Published 3-October-2025
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