James Wilson (athlete)
James Wilson ( born October 2, 1891 † 1973 in Brent, Greater London, United Kingdom ) was a British long-distance runner who was successful during and after the First World War in time. He won two Olympic medals.
Seven times he won in a row - 1914 to 1920 - the Scottish championship on four miles and 1920 additional than ten miles. However, at the British Championships he participated even once.
When the Nations Cross ( the war failed due 1915-1919 ) launched Wilson five times: once for the United Kingdom (1914 ) and four times for Scotland (1920, 1921, 1924 and 1925 ). His big moment came in 1920 in Belfast, where he won the gold medal in 55:06 minutes.
At the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp Wilson launched the 10,000 m as well as in cross-country running. About 10,000 m he won his heat in 33:40,2 min and let it Paavo Nurmi behind. In the final, the Finn was not to beat and won in 31:45,8 min. Also, the Frenchman Joseph Guillemot, who finished in 31:47,2 min, Wilson had to let them go. However, his bronze medal in 31:50,8 min was unchallenged - the fourth-placed Augusto Maccario from Italy had more than 11 seconds behind. In the Cross winner Paavo Nurmi was ( 27:15,0 min). Wilson needed for the 8 km stretch half a minute longer ( 27:45,2 min) and reached the goal with a good 12 seconds behind compatriot Heikki Liimatainen Nurmis fourth of a total of 47 participants. Without medal he should not stay still: In the team standings, the British team came, started for the Wilson, behind Finland in second place and won silver.
James Wilson was 1.73 m tall and weighed 60 kg. He started for the Slough Harriers and was mechanical engineer by profession.