George Washington Orton was a middle-distance runner. In 1900, he became Canada’s first Olympic gold medal winner. He won gold in the 2500m steeplechase and bronze in the 400m hurdles at the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris.
Born in Strathroy, Ontario, Orton was paralyzed when he fell out of a tree as a child. He regained his mobility at age twelve only.
Orton’s total number of wins was reported to be 121.
He was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame.
