James Lightbody

Who was James Lightbody?

James Davies "Jim" Lightbody was an American middle distance runner, winner of six Olympic medals in the early 20th century.

Lightbody, born in Pittsburgh and graduating from high school in Muncie, Indiana, had great success at the 1904 Summer Olympics, held in St. Louis. He wasn't favoured in any of the three individual events in which he competed, but nevertheless won all three of them.

First, he won the 2590 metre steeplechase, sprinting to the 800 metres title days later. Finally, he won the 1500 metres in a new world record. Later that day, he added a second place to his tally, when he competed with the Chicago Athletic Association in the 4 mile team event.

In 1905, Lightbody won AAU titles in both the 800 and 1500 metres, and the following year he competed in his second Olympics, the Intercalated Games of 1906 in Athens. He successfully defended his 1500 metres title, and placed second in the 800 metres.

Lightbody competed again in the 1908 Summer Olympics. In the 800 metres, he placed only fourth in his first round heat. Lightbody lost a close race to fellow American James Sullivan in the first round of the 1500 metres, eliminating him from further competition.