Edward James TOMS

Edward Toms was a finalist in the AAA 440y in 1922, Southern champion in 1923 and, after winning the English AAA title in 1924, was selected for the Paris Olympics. In the individual 400 he was eliminated when he fell heavily in the second round, but in the 4x400 relay he won a bronze medal and a share of a UK record (3:17.4) after he put Britain in the lead on the first stage. In the match against the USA that followed the Olympics, the British Empire fielded an all-British team in the 4x440y relay with Eric Liddell replacing George Renwick from the Olympic squad. Toms again ran the opening leg and a fine anchor leg by Liddell gave the Empire victory over the USA with a UK record of 3:18.2. Toms had a brief career as a professional and, at the Clyde FC Sports in July 1926, he placed third in a 440y race that was billed as being for the World Championship.

Personal Bests: 220y – 22.0 (1923); 440y – 50.0 (1924).