R. Irving Parkes
Encyclopedia
Robert Irving Parkes was a Canadian
athlete. He competed in the 1908 Summer Olympics
in London
.
Parkes placed third in his semifinal heat of the 800 metres
, not advancing to the final. He was also part of the Canadian 4 x 400 metres relay
which placed 3rd in their heat and did not advance to the final.
In 1908, only the winners of the heats advanced to the final race. Parkes had the unfortunate draw to run in the second semifinal with the eventual champion and world record setter Mel Sheppard
, who dominated the race. His personal record in the 800 metres
was 1.57.1 and could have been sufficient to qualify him to the final.
As a boy, he played hockey, lacrosse, basketball and tennis and track. He set the Canadian record for the 880 and this record stood for 36 years. In later years Parkes became a golfer and enjoyed fishing. Parkes worked as art director for an advertising agency, McCann Erickson, in NYC.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
athlete. He competed in the 1908 Summer Olympics
1908 Summer Olympics
The 1908 Summer Olympics, officially the Games of the IV Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event which was held in 1908 in London, England, United Kingdom. These games were originally scheduled to be held in Rome. At the time they were the fifth modern Olympic games...
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
.
Parkes placed third in his semifinal heat of the 800 metres
Athletics at the 1908 Summer Olympics - Men's 800 metres
The men's 800 metres made its fourth Olympic appearance at the 1908 Summer Olympics. The competition was held on July 20, 1908 and on July 21, 1908. The races were held on a track of 536.45 metres= mile in circumference...
, not advancing to the final. He was also part of the Canadian 4 x 400 metres relay
4 x 400 metres relay
The 4 x 400 meters relay or long relay is an athletics track event in which teams comprise four runners who each complete 400 meters or one lap. It is traditionally the final event of a track meet. At top class events, the first 500 meters is run in lanes...
which placed 3rd in their heat and did not advance to the final.
In 1908, only the winners of the heats advanced to the final race. Parkes had the unfortunate draw to run in the second semifinal with the eventual champion and world record setter Mel Sheppard
Mel Sheppard
Melvin Whinfield "Peerless Mel" Sheppard was an American athlete, member of the Irish American Athletic Club and winner of four gold medals at the 1908 Summer Olympics and 1912 Summer Olympics...
, who dominated the race. His personal record in the 800 metres
800 metres
The 800 meter race is a common track running event. It is the shortest common middle distance track event. The 800 meter is run over two laps of the track and has always been an Olympic event. During indoor track season the event is usually run on a 200 meter track, therefore requiring four laps...
was 1.57.1 and could have been sufficient to qualify him to the final.
As a boy, he played hockey, lacrosse, basketball and tennis and track. He set the Canadian record for the 880 and this record stood for 36 years. In later years Parkes became a golfer and enjoyed fishing. Parkes worked as art director for an advertising agency, McCann Erickson, in NYC.