Arthur Duffey

Arthur Francis Duffey (June 14, 1879 – January 23, 1955) was an American track and field athlete who competed at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.[1]

Arthur Duffey
Born
Arthur Francis Duffey

(1879-06-14)June 14, 1879
DiedJanuary 23, 1955(1955-01-23) (aged 75)
Arlington, Massachusetts, US
OccupationAthlete
Spouse(s)Helen Louise Daley
Children5

In 1902, whilst a student at Georgetown University, Duffey ran a world record of 9.6 seconds for the 100 yards. Although equaled in 1906 by Dan Kelley it would be 27 years before it was finally bettered, by Eddie Tolan.[2]

In 1905 it was rumored that he was to marry the actress Mabel Hite, and as she was a divorcee he would meet Pope Pius X in order to attain special dispensation to wed. The rumor proved false.[3] Duffey finally married in 1911, to long-time friend Helen Louise Daley.[4]

In 1905 he confessed that he had been accepting sponsor money since 1898, and the AAU ordered all of his records expunged. In 1908 he attempted to form the National Protective Athletic Association (NPAA) to challenge the AAU.[5] Around this time Duffey was also involved in promoting professional athletes on the east coast racing circuit. One of those he worked with was the future Mercersburg Academy coach Jimmy Curran.[6]

After retiring from athletics he became a sports writer for The Boston Post.[7] He died of a heart attack.[8]

References
  1. "Arthur Duffey". Olympedia. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  2. Track Trailblazer Dies, Portsmouth Herald, January 25, 1955
  3. Arthur Duffey to Wed Actress, Boston Post, January 21, 1905
  4. Arthur Duffey Now Benedict, Boston Post, February 23, 1911
  5. Quaker Athletes Fight the A.A.U., Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 1908-01-24
  6. Indians to Race Shrubb, Boston Herald, 1908-01-13
  7. Arthur Duffey's Column, Boston Sunday Post, 1911-08-12
  8. Track Trailblazer Dies, Portsmouth Herald, January 25, 1955

Further reading

Media related to Arthur Duffey at Wikimedia Commons

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