James Wilson
Scottish athlete who competed mainly in the 10,000 metres
About James Wilson
Lived 1891 – 1973 (aged 81–82). James Wilson was a British long-distance runner and athletics competitor.
James Wilson (2 October 1891 – 1973) was a Scottish long-distance runner who specialised in the 10,000 metres. He competed for Great Britain at the 1920 Summer Olympics and won a bronze medal in the 10,000 metres, five seconds behind Paavo Nurmi; Wilson beat Nurmi by some 5 seconds in the heats. He finished fourth in the individual 8,000 m cross-country race, again behind Nurmi, but won a silver medal with the British team. Nationally, Wilson won Scottish titles over 4 miles in 1914–20 and over 10 miles in 1920.
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Important facts
People in James Wilson's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped James Wilson's
Frequently asked questions
Who was James Wilson?
Scottish athlete who competed mainly in the 10,000 metres (1891-1973)
When was James Wilson born?
James Wilson was born on 2 October 1891 in Windsor.
When did James Wilson die?
James Wilson died in 1973 in London Borough of Brent.
What was James Wilson's occupation?
James Wilson was a long-distance runner and athletics competitor.
What nationality was James Wilson?
James Wilson was British.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: James Wilson (athlete)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). James Wilson. https://biography.guide/james-wilson-long-distance-runner/
MLA: "James Wilson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/james-wilson-long-distance-runner/.
Chicago: "James Wilson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/james-wilson-long-distance-runner/.
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