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Over the last couple of years I've seen various references to, and requests for information on, R.P. Williams, a turn-of-the-century pro sprinter.
Most of the info available on Williams, in fact the vast majority of stuff I've ever seen on him, is from David Willoughby's 1970 book, "The Super Athletes." And while Willoughby is big on information, he's not strong on facts. Doubtful marks seem just as legitimate to him as authenticated marks.
Williams has always struck me as being more successful as a self-promoter than as an athlete. Now I've come across the following from Charley Paddock's 1933 book, "Track and Field."
In an appendix titled "Outstanding Track Achievements," Paddock writes (p.172): "Other immortal professional sprinters include [10 names listed, after he's already spent two paragraphs talking about Harry Hutchens] . R.P. Williams, of New London, Connecticut, claimed a number of astonishing sprint records, and his name still appears in the book as the 'official' holder of many marks, but his competitive record does not compare well against the time with which he is credited. I mention this merely because many sport authorities of to-day, judging solely from Williams' marks, place him among the great sprinters of history. His professional contemporaries did not so rank him."
Close the book on R.P. Williams. If Paddock can't be trusted on sprinters, throw away the book.
Most of the info available on Williams, in fact the vast majority of stuff I've ever seen on him, is from David Willoughby's 1970 book, "The Super Athletes." And while Willoughby is big on information, he's not strong on facts. Doubtful marks seem just as legitimate to him as authenticated marks.
Williams has always struck me as being more successful as a self-promoter than as an athlete. Now I've come across the following from Charley Paddock's 1933 book, "Track and Field."
In an appendix titled "Outstanding Track Achievements," Paddock writes (p.172): "Other immortal professional sprinters include [10 names listed, after he's already spent two paragraphs talking about Harry Hutchens] . R.P. Williams, of New London, Connecticut, claimed a number of astonishing sprint records, and his name still appears in the book as the 'official' holder of many marks, but his competitive record does not compare well against the time with which he is credited. I mention this merely because many sport authorities of to-day, judging solely from Williams' marks, place him among the great sprinters of history. His professional contemporaries did not so rank him."
Close the book on R.P. Williams. If Paddock can't be trusted on sprinters, throw away the book.
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