William CONNOR

William Connor was a fine all-round gymnast but was even better as a coach and instructor. A Fellow of the Gymnastic Teachers’ Institution, he was regarded as one of the finest gymnastic teachers at the turn of the 20th century. At the 1900 Paris Olympics, Connor, who was the director of the Birmingham Athletic Club at the time, was one of 135 starters in the individual all-round event, and in finishing 31st, was the highest placed of the four British entrants. In 1902, Professor Connor opened his own gymnastics school and physical training centre in Birmingham, and also opened the Birmingham Centaur Gymnastic club.