William West

A constable in the City of London Police, William West took part in both the freestyle and Greco-Roman events at the 1908 London Olympics, but never progressed beyond the second round. West’s wrestling ability was first noticed in 1905 when he reached the heavyweight semi-final of the English National Championships. He reached the semi-final again in 1906, having earlier lost in the final of the prestigious Northampton Institute Championship. Before the year was out, however, West had a title to his name when he beat Ernest Nixson in the heavyweight final at the annual German Gymnastic Society Championship.

West continued to chase the elusive national title and, after another semi-final defeat in 1911, he was eventually crowned champion in 1913. After disposing of the holder Noel Rhys in the semi-final, he then accounted for Percy Ellman in the final. It was the last championship for six years due to the outbreak of World War I. At the time of winning his title, West served on the committee of the National Amateur Wrestling Association.