Platt Adams won the AAU junior long jump in 1907 and then took 20 senior titles while representing the New York AC. Apart from his prowess in the standing jumps he finished fifth in the Olympic triple jump in 1908 and 1912 and was the leading American on each occasion. Platt Adams also competed in 1912 Olympic Baseball demonstration event.

In 1922 Adams was elected to the New Jersey State Assembly from Essex County. In 1923 he became the state boxing inspector. He later became chairman of the Newark Athletic Track & Field Committee. He also worked as a salesman for the Interchemical Corporation of Newark.

Personal Bests: SHJ – 5-4¼ (1.63) (1912); SLJ – 11-0¼ (3.36) (1912); HJ – 1.88 (1912); LJ – 23-3½ (7.10) (1912); TJ – 14.59 (1914); JT – 139-6 (42.52) (1908).