Alex Gordon attended Allan Glen’s School, Glasgow before going to Glasgow University. A winger with Scottish football club Queen’s Park, he was also a fine sprinter, hurdler, and long jumper. He gained selection for the 1908 London Olympics after winning the sprint hurdles and finishing second in the long jump at the Scottish Olympic trial at Ibrox Park. Two weeks before he was due to compete in London, however, Gordon injured his foot following an accident. He pulled out of the Scotland versus Ireland international meeting a week before the Olympics and was also a non-starter at the Games.