Frank McConnell

Frank McConnell was one of British Columbia’s best all-round athletes around the time of World War I. Although he specialised in sprinting (100 yards and relays), he also competed successfully in 220 yards and the quarter-mile, over the high hurdles and in long jump. He led the Canadian ranking over 100 yards in 1912 and 1920 in 10 seconds flat. In 1911, he ranked second in the 120 yards hurdles in 16.2. After retiring from competition he devoted himself to coaching.

At the Stockholm Olympics, McConnell placed third in his heats in both the 100 and the 200 and failed to advance to the second round. He ran the first leg of the Canadian 4x100 relay team. They were beaten by the German team in the semifinal, who won in world record time. One year later, he earned his only podium at the Canadian championships, placing third in the 100 yards.

McConnell was survived by his wife, Florence Theodora “Flossy” Madden, by almost 50 years. He worked in the insurance business and was involved in social welfare activities and local politics.

Personal Bests: 100 – 11.0 (1908); 200 – 22.3y (1912).