George Orton

George Washington Orton (January 10, 1873-June 26, 1958) was Canadian middle-distance runner. In 1900, he was the first Canadian to become Olympic champion.

Born in Strathroy, Ontario, Orton did his undergraduate studies in at the University of Toronto, before switching to the University of Pennsylvania in 1893. By then, he was already one of the top middle-distance runners in North America. He won national titles in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, in the 1 mile, 2 miles and steeplechase. His one-mile time of 4.21,8 stood as a Canadian record for 30 years. His total number of wins is reported to be 121.

Orton received his Ph.D. in 1896, but remained active in his sport. The crown on Orton's career might have been the 1900 Summer Olympics, held in Paris. Because he represented his American university team (national teams did not yet exist), it remained unknown for quite some time that he was actually Canadian. Orton competed in three events, two steeplechase competitions and the 400 m hurdles. He placed 5th in the 4000 m steeplechase, but he won the title in 2500 m event, adding a bronze medal in the hurdles event.

Later, he was a track coach at Penn, and wrote a book about the track and field history of that University. He died aged 85 in Meredith, New Hampshire (United States).