Reggie Walker, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

    

Reggie Walker

South African athlete, Olympic medalist

Date of Birth: 16-Mar-1889

Place of Birth: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Date of Death: 05-Nov-1951

Profession: sprinter, athletics competitor

Nationality: South Africa

Zodiac Sign: Pisces


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About Reggie Walker

  • Reginald ("Reggie") Edgar Walker (16 March 1889 in Durban – 5 November 1951) was a South African athlete and the 1908 Olympic champion in the 100 metres. Born in Natal, Walker, the 1907 South African Champion, was not among the big favourites for the 100 metres at the 1908 Summer Olympics.
  • He even had trouble getting to London, as he lacked the necessary finances until a Natal sportswriter collected funds to support Walker's travel.
  • In England, he was coached by Sam Mussabini, later also the coach of Harold Abrahams. Several of the big names did not qualify for the final, but Walker did.
  • His first round was a relatively easy victory run in 11.0 seconds.
  • In the second round, Walker edged out William W.
  • May of the United States while tying the Olympic record of 10.8 seconds.
  • This qualified him for the final.
  • There he competed against three North Americans, including James Rector of the United States, who had equalled the Olympic Record in both of the qualifier rounds.
  • Walker beat Rector in the final by about a foot and half. Walker is still the youngest winner of the Olympic 100 metres as of 2016 (at 19 years and 128 days). During World War One, Walker served with the 7th Infantry in German South West Africa, before joining the South African Overseas Expeditionary Force in 1917, serving in France, during which time he received a gunshot wound to the head.
  • Walker was discharged from the Army in 1919 and later worked as a clerk with Ropes & Mattings in Nairobi, Kenya Colony, before returning to South Africa.

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