Francis JARVIS

Apart from winning an Olympic gold medal, Frank Jarvis enjoyed the distinction of being a distant relation to George Washington. After Arthur Duffey who had beaten Jarvis in the British Championships the previous week, broke down in the 1900 Olympic final, Jarvis came through to win an unexpected gold medal. He equalled the world record of 10.8 in the heats, but reports suggest that the leniency of the French starter made a significant contribution to this time. Jarvis was on the Princeton track team for three years, winning the AAU 100y and the IC4A 440y in 1898 and the IC4A 220y in 1900. After graduating from Princeton, Frank Jarvis took a law degree at the University of Pittsburgh and practiced law in that city until shortly before his death.

Personal Bests: 100y – 9.8 (1899); 100 – 10.8 (1900); 220y – 22.2s (1900).