Arthur Duffey

Arthur Duffey was considered the fastest man in the world in 1900 and was the favorite for the Olympic sprint title that year, but did not finish in the final due to a pulled muscle. He was AAU 100 yard champion 1899, but oddly, his greater success came in England where he won the AAA title from 1900-04. He also “won” the IC4A 100 yard title from 1901-03, running for Georgetown. His 1902 time of 9.6 was a world record and the first recording of 9 3/5. But Duffey’s records and titles were stricken by AAU President James Sullivan over a petty dispute involving running shoes. Duffey refused to wear Spalding running shoes, and Sullivan worked for Spalding. Sullivan claimed that Duffey violated amateur rules during this dispute and prevailed, but there is little evidence of that. Duffey subsequently joined a Boston newspaper as a sportswriter, which he did for most of his life.

Personal Bests: 100y – 9.6 (1902); 100 – 11.0 (1900).