Ernest Webb, English-Canadian race walker (d. 1937)

Ernest James "Ernie" Webb, born on April 25, 1874, in the bustling borough of Hackney, London, was a distinguished British athlete who left an indelible mark on the sport of race walking in the early 20th century. Renowned for his exceptional endurance and disciplined technique, Webb primarily competed in the challenging 10-mile walk, a demanding discipline that tested both physical stamina and strict adherence to race walking rules. Throughout his career, he proudly represented the Herne Hill Harriers, a well-established athletics club with a rich history in British sport.

Olympic Glory in London: A Double Silver at Home

The year 1908 marked a significant chapter in Ernie Webb's career, as the Summer Olympics were hosted in his home city of London, Great Britain. Competing on this grand international stage, Webb demonstrated his remarkable talent and competitive spirit. In the grueling 10-mile walk event, he delivered a stellar performance, earning a prestigious silver medal. The gold that day went to his fellow British athlete, George Larner, highlighting the formidable strength of Great Britain in race walking at the time.

Webb's success at the London Games didn't stop there. He remarkably repeated his silver medal-winning feat in the 3500-metre walk, an event that, while shorter, still required immense focus and stamina. Once again, it was George Larner who claimed the gold, establishing a friendly yet intense rivalry between the two British stalwarts. These two silver medals were a testament to Webb's consistent excellence and placed him firmly among the elite Olympic athletes of his era.

Sustained Excellence in Stockholm: A Third Olympic Silver

Four years later, Ernie Webb continued his pursuit of Olympic success, traveling to Stockholm, Sweden, for the 1912 Summer Olympics. Here, he took part in the inaugural 10-kilometre walk, a new distance introduced to the Olympic programme. Despite the change in distance and facing a fresh set of international competitors, Webb’s consistent dedication to his sport shone through once more. He clinched his third Olympic silver medal, demonstrating an extraordinary sustained level of performance over two consecutive Olympic cycles. On this occasion, the gold medal was secured by Canada's George Goulding, showcasing the growing international competition in race walking.

Ernie Webb's career was characterized by remarkable consistency and an unwavering commitment to his sport, earning him three Olympic silver medals—a rare and impressive achievement. He passed away on February 24, 1937, in Toronto, Canada, leaving behind a legacy as one of Great Britain's most successful Olympic race walkers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ernie Webb

When and where was Ernie Webb born?
Ernest James "Ernie" Webb was born on April 25, 1874, in Hackney, London, Great Britain.
What was Ernie Webb's primary athletic discipline?
Ernie Webb primarily competed in race walking events, notably the 10-mile walk and 10-kilometre walk.
How many Olympic medals did Ernie Webb win?
Ernie Webb won a total of three Olympic silver medals during his career.
In which Olympic Games did he compete?
He competed in two Summer Olympic Games: London in 1908 and Stockholm in 1912.
Who were his main rivals in the Olympics?
In the 1908 London Olympics, his main rival was fellow Briton George Larner. In the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, he competed against Canada's George Goulding.
Which athletic club did Ernie Webb represent?
Ernie Webb competed for the Herne Hill Harriers.
Where and when did Ernie Webb pass away?
He passed away on February 24, 1937, in Toronto, Canada.