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Homer Baker

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Homer Baker
Personal information
NationalityAmerican
Born(1893-06-08)June 8, 1893
Buffalo, Erie County, NY
DiedNovember 25, 1977(1977-11-25) (aged 84)
Williamsport, PA
Sport
Country United States
SportRunner
Achievements and titles
National finalsUS Champion, Half-mile(1913 and 1914), British Champion, 880-yards(1914)

Homer Baker (June 8, 1893 – November 25, 1977) was an American middle-distance track and field athlete. He became US national half-mile champion in 1913 and 1914.[1] He toured Europe during 1914 and won the British 880-yard crown from the famed Albert Hill.[2] Baker had poor eyesight and withdrew from running for 18 months after a 1917 accident in the New York City Subway.[3] He did the 880 yards (half-mile) in 1,56,4 and 660 yards in 1,20,4 (world record holding up for 26 years).[4] In 1923, he was appointed physical director in the Panama Canal Zone.[5] Baker was a cousin of silent film star Clara Bow.[6]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Racine Journal News, May 11, 1917
  2. ^ Press Telegram(CA), April 23, 1952
  3. ^ Iowa City Citizen, January 2, 1919
  4. ^ The Fairport Herald Mail, December 14, 1977
  5. ^ Indianapolis Star, May 6, 1923
  6. ^ "Clara Bow says she is fast —on a cinder track". The Boston Globe. 23 March 1924. p. 63.