James Wilson (2 October 1891 – 1973) was a Scottish long-distance runner who specialised in the 10,000 metres.[4] He competed for Great Britain at the 1920 Summer Olympics and won a bronze medal in the 10,000 metres, five seconds behind Paavo Nurmi; Wilson beat Nurmi by some 5 seconds in the heats. He finished fourth in the individual 8,000 m cross-country race, again behind Nurmi, but won a silver medal with the British team. Nationally Wilson won Scottish titles over 4 miles in 1914–20 and over 10 miles in 1920.[2]
![]() James Wilson at the 1920 Olympics | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Born | 2 October 1891 Windsor, Berkshire, England[1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Died | 1973 (aged c. 81) London Borough of Brent, Great Britain | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Height | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weight | 60 kg (132 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sport | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sport | Athletics | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Event(s) | 10,000 m | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Club | Greenock Glenpark Harriers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Achievements and titles | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Personal best(s) | Mile – 4:28.0 (1915) 4 miles – 20:22.4 (1920) 6 miles – 30:45.0 (1920) 10,000 m – 31:50.8 (1920) 10 miles – 52:04.4 (1920)[2][3] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
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James and his twin brother John were the youngest of five children of Isabella and Robert Wilson, Scottish migrant workers in England. His father was a herdsman from Aberdeenshire. James and John were inspired to join the local athletics club by watching the 1908 Olympic marathon race that passed nearby their home. Later, when World War I broke out, John enlisted to the army and died from peritonitis in 1916, while James stayed at home earning his living as a metalworker. After the 1920 Olympics he found a job as mechanical engineer at the Neasden Power Station, which provided electricity to the Metropolitan Railways, and semi-retired from running. He resumed competing in 1923, when he joined Surrey Athletic Club, but never regained his past shape and retired for good in 1925.[1]
Wilson was married to Annie Williams. He died from a bowel cancer aged 81–82.[1]
Men's champions of the International Cross Country Championships | |
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Short course |
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† Unofficial race |
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