The medical profession is studded with individuals who have demonstrated talents beyond their professional expertise. Many international ophthalmology conferences have thrown up pleasant surprises wherein music, songs, paintings, photographs and literature, all composed and/or performed by ophthalmologists, have been put on display, much to the delight of compatriots in the audience. Medical practitioners are also no strangers to sport. In this month of the 2012 Olympics in London, British ophthalmology can boast of one Hyla Bristow (Henry) Stallard (1901–1973) (figure 1) who won the bronze medal at the 1924 Olympic Games held in Paris. The obverse and reverse of the medal are depicted on the front cover of this issue.

The story behind this medal is now part of Olympic legend.

Henry Stallard had …