Robert KERR

Born in present-day Northern Ireland, Bobby Kerr’s family emigrated to Canada when he was 5-years-old and settled in Hamilton, Ontario. Kerr took up athletics while working as a fireman in his hometown and in 1904 spent all his savings to go to St. Louis to take part in the Olympics, where he was not very successful. Kerr’s performances soon improved, setting Canadian records for all sprint distances between 40 yds and 220 yds and winning the Canadian title at 100 yds in 1907 and 220 yds in 1906-08. Kerr warmed up for the Olympics by winning the 100 yds and 220 yds at the 1908 British AAA meet and went to the Olympics as the favorite for gold in both sprints. At the London Olympics, Kerr lost in the 100 m final, but won the 200 metres.

During World War I, Kerr served with the Canadian Expeditionary Forces, as an officer with the 205th, 164th and 1st Tank battalions. After the war Kerr coached athletics and football (soccer) teams in Hamilton and officiated at the 1928 and 1932 Olympics. He was worked with the Canadian Olympic Association, helping to organize the inaugural 1930 British Empire Games held in Hamilton.

Personal Bests: 100 – 10.9 (1908); 200 – 21.5y (1908).