Jim Lightbody

James Davies "Jim" Lightbody (March 15, 1882 – March 2, 1953) was an American middle distance runner, winner of six Olympic medals in the early 20th century.

Related Topics:
March 15 - 1882 - March 2 - 1953 - American - 20th century

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Lightbody, from Pittsburgh, had great success at the 1904 Summer Olympics, held in St. Louis. He wasn't favoured in any of the three individual events in which he competed, but nevertheless won all three of them.

Related Topics:
Pittsburgh - 1904 Summer Olympics - St. Louis

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First, he won the 2500 m steeplechase, sprinting to the 800 m title days later. Finally, he won the 1500 m in a new world record. Later that day, he added a second place to his tally, when he competed with the Chicago Athletic Association in the 4 mile team event.

Related Topics:
Steeplechase - World record - Chicago Athletic Association

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In 1905, Lightbody won AAU titles in both the 800 and 1500 metres, and the following year he competed in his second Olympics, the Intercalated Games of 1906 in Athens. He successfully defended his 1500 metres title, and placed second in the 800 metres.

Related Topics:
AAU - Intercalated Games of 1906 - Athens

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Lightbody competed again in the 1908 Summer Olympics. In the 800 metres, he placed only fourth in his first round heat. Lightbody lost a close race to fellow American James P. Sullivan in the first round of the 1,500 metres, eliminating him from further competition. He was defeated by a mere ten yards by Harold Sewell in the first round of the 3,200 metres steeplechase and did not qualify for the final.

Related Topics:
1908 Summer Olympics - James P. Sullivan - Harold Sewell

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Lightbody died in 1953, two weeks short of his 71st birthday in Charleston, South Carolina.

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