George R. Gray | The Canadian Encyclopedia

Article

George R. Gray

George R. Gray, track and field athlete (b at Coldwater, Canada W 4 May 1865; d at Sault Ste Marie, Ont 7 Jan 1933). After high school he competed for 17 years at his specialty, putting the shot, without being defeated.

Gray, George R.

George R. Gray, track and field athlete (b at Coldwater, Canada W 4 May 1865; d at Sault Ste Marie, Ont 7 Jan 1933). After high school he competed for 17 years at his specialty, putting the shot, without being defeated. At age 20 in 1885, at the Canadian Amateur Athletic Assn meet in Toronto, he defeated champions from other countries with his first put of 41´ 5.5´ (12.64 m) and was acclaimed world champion. From 1887 he competed for the famous NY Athletic Club, which paid his expenses, while continuing his Canadian career in the lumber business. He held and broke the world shotput record several times, competing throughout N America and in Britain. By retirement he had won 188 first-place medals and trophies.

Challenge yourself - take the CC Quiz!

The Canadian Encyclopedia is a project of Historica Canada, a non-profit, nonpartisan organization devoted to teaching Canadians more about our shared country.  We also produce the Heritage Minutes and other programs. If you believe all Canadians should have access to free, impartial, fact-checked, regularly updated information about Canada’s history and culture in both official languages, please consider donating today. All donations above $3 will receive a tax receipt.

Book a Speaker