Archery at the 1908 London Summer Games:

William Dod led after the first day, scoring 403 with 91 hits, to lead Reginald Brooks-King, who posted marks of 393 and 93. John Penrose was 3rd after day one, with Henry Richardson only in 5th place. On Saturday, Richardson had the highest score, with 417 points and 93 hits, followed by Dod who scored 412 with 94 hits. However, Dod's marks sufficed to keep him in the lead and earn him the gold medal.

William Dod was certainly not favored. Since 1900, the British National Championship had been divided among Brooks-King (5 titles - 1900, 1902-03, 1906, 1908), with John Penrose, John Bridges, Eyre Hussey, and Hugh Nesham winning a single championship.

Dod would win his only British title in 1909. He was the brother of Lottie Dod, the runner-up in the women's archery, and likely the greatest female all-arounder in British sporting history. They were appropriately descended from Sir Antony Dod of Edge, who commanded the English archers at Agincourt. From a wealthy family, William Dod never had to worry about school or work, and spent his time in the pursuit of his sporting interests. He was also quite accomplished in golf and big game hunting.