He was the winner of Canada's first Olympic gold medal, which he earned at the 1900 Olympics in the 2500 meter steeplechase; he also won bronze in the 400 meter hurdles that year.
He was paralyzed for many years as a child, after falling out of a tree, but he regained full body movement at age 12, and became a fantastic athlete.
Later in life he coached track and field at his alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania.
He was born in Strathroy, Ontario.
He is a member of the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, which includes legends such as James Naismith.
