John Ross

John Ross took up running at a young age and, as a high schooler, competed in the trials to represent Canada at the 1948 London Olympics, just barely missing the cut. He was more successful four years later, however, and took part in the 800 and 1500 metres races in Helsinki, being eliminated in round one and the semi-finals respectively. He was also an alternate on the 4x400 metres relay squad, but did not compete. At the time, he was running for the University of Michigan, from where he graduated in 1954, and he would be inducted into the university’s Track & Field Hall of Fame in 2011. In Canada, he won three national titles, two in the 1500 metres (1950 and 1952) and one in the 800 metres (1952).

Ross ended his athletic career after graduation and moved to Switzerland, eventually working in sales for Alcan International. He later worked as a financial planner in Florida, but remained athletically active by competing in masters-level tournaments.

Personal Bests: 800 – 1:51.6 (1952); 1500 – unknown; Mile – 4:10.7 (1952).