James Worrall

Who was James Worrall?

James "Jim" Worrall, OC was a Canadian lawyer, Olympic track and field athlete, and sports administrator.

Born in Bury, Lancashire, England, Worrall emigrated to Montreal, Quebec in 1922. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from McGill University in 1935. He received his law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and went on to practice law in Toronto.

A track and field athlete, Worrall was the Canadian team flag bearer at the 1936 Summer Olympics opening ceremonies. He competed in both hurdling contests. In the 110 metre hurdles event as well as in the 400 metre hurdles competition he was eliminated in the first round. At the 1934 British Empire Games held in London he won the silver medal in the 120 yards hurdles contest. In the quarter mile hurdles event he finished fourth.

Following his competitive retirement, he moved into sports administration within the Olympic movement. From 1964 to 1968, Worrall was the president of the Canadian Olympic Committee and he rose to be a member of the International Olympic Committee – a position he held from 1967 to 1989. In 1989, he was made a Honorary Members of the International Olympic Committee.