Walter Knox (1878 - 1952) Inducted 1966

Beginning in 1900, for 20 years Walter Knox shattered Canadian and world track and field records. He was a model athlete and a valued coach. He won the all-round championship of Canada, the United States and the British Isles.

He competed in pole vaulting, running, broad jumping, shot putting, discus throwing, high jumping and the 105 lb. hammer throw. He established records that survived for generations, in both running and jumping.

Born in Listowel, he was 15 years old when he came to Orillia. The following year he started practising with a group of boys near their homes on Gill Street, where they made a jumping pit and 40 yard sprint track.

In 1903, he went to Beloit College in Wisconsin, where he first received proper training under Coach Harry Gill, a former Orillian.

Walter held many positions as coach: in 1925 he was chief coach for the Ontario Athletic Commission and in 1930 he was coach at Queen's University, Kingston.

A former prospector in Northern Ontario, he held several mining properties. In later years, he took up golfing for recreation.