Bobby Kerr

Born in present-day Northern Ireland, Bobby Kerr’s family emigrated to Canada when he was 5-years-old and settled in Hamilton, Ontario. Kerr took up athletics while working as a fireman in his hometown and, in 1904, he spent all of his savings to go to St. Louis to take part of the Olympic athletics competitions. At St. Louis Kerr was not very successful, as he was eliminated in the first heats of all three events in which he participated. After the 1904 Olympics, however, Kerr’s performances improved and, after setting Canadian records for all sprint distances between 40 and 220 yds and becoming Canadian champion at 100 (1907) and 220 yds (1906-08), Kerr was sent to England to take part in the 1908 Olympics. In England Kerr won both the 1908 British AAA 100 yds and 220 yds and went to the Olympics as a favorite in both the 100 and 200. At the Olympics Kerr lost to surprise winner Reggie Walker and American James Rector in the 100 final, but won the 200 metres gold. During World War I Kerr served with the Canadian Expeditionary Forces as an officer with the 205th, 164th and 1st Tank battalions. After the war Kerr coached athletics and football (soccer) teams in Hamilton and was an official at the 1928 and 1932 Olympics. He was also involved with the Canadian Olympic Association and helped to organize the inaugural 1930 British Empire Games held in Hamilton.

Personal Bests: 100 – 10.9 (1908); 200 – 21.5y (1908).