A native of Edinburgh, Robin Welsh was known as a rugby player in his youth. He played club rugby for the Watsonians club and appeared on the wing for Scotland in four internationals in 1895-96 as well as representing Scotland at tennis. Welsh, who threw third at Chamonix, was 54 years old at the time of the Games and remains the oldest Winter Olympic champion. In 1932 at age of 63 he captained Scotland and skipped his own rink to victory in their annual fixture with England. Welsh served on Edinburgh City Council for many years and was President of the Scottish Rugby Union in 1925. His son, also named Robin, served as secretary of the International Curling Federation.