Jim Merrick

Biographical information

RolesAdministrator
SexMale
Full nameJames George Bower "Jim"•Merrick
Used nameJim•Merrick
Born14 May 1871 in Toronto, Ontario (CAN)
Died1 April 1946 in Toronto, Ontario (CAN)
NOC Canada

Biography

Jim Merrick graduated from the University of Toronto in 1896, and then studied law at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, eventually becoming a member of the Ontario bar. While at university he was President of the Varsity AAA (Amateur Athletic Association), later served as President of the Canadian AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) from 1911-21, and was also involved in some capacity in nearly every sport the school had to offer. Continuing this trend at the provincial and national levels, his later achievements in sport included helping form the first official Canadian Olympic team in 1908 and becoming the first President of the Canadian AAA in 1909. He remained active in the organization long after his presidency ended and played a part in putting together the Canadian athletics delegation to the 1920 Summer Olympics.

Merrick was Secretary of the Manufacturers Association of Ontario for 19 years, acting as an arbitrator in strikes and labor disputes. A well-known advocate of “pure” amateurism, he was co-opted onto the IOC in January 1921 and served until his death in Toronto in April 1946. Although he was very active at first, his attendance at IOC Sessions soon became sporadic and members of the Canadian Olympic Committee wrote to IOC President Count Henri de Baillet-Latour in 1925 complaining that he was not representing their interests and that another Canadian member should be appointed. Sir George Brown was selected in 1928 as a second representative from Canada, although the influence of the complaints against Merrick remains unclear. He was inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 1960.

Organization roles

Role Organization Tenure NOC As
President Canadian Olympic Committee 1911—1921 CAN Jim Merrick
Member International Olympic Committee 1921—1946 CAN Jim Merrick