Coldwater in Simcoe County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
George R. Gray
To Commemorate a Great Athlete
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 7, 2024
1. George R. Gray Marker
Born May 4, 1865 in Coldwater, Ont. Never defeated in competition He held the shot putting record of Canada and the United States for seventeen years, breaking twenty world records, winning 188 medals and trophies. Died in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. July 15, 1933.
Erected 1965 by The citizens of Coldwater and District, Committee Chairman Wm. C. Wylie.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is May 4, 1865.
Location. 44° 42.493′ N, 79° 38.587′ W. Marker is in Coldwater, Ontario, in Simcoe County. It is at the intersection of Coldwater Road (County Road 17) and Mill Street, on the right when traveling north on Coldwater Road. The marker is located near the southwest corner of the Severn Township Public Library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 31 Coldwater Road, Coldwater ON L0K 1E0, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Ontario Cottage Country and specifically in Georgian Bay Country. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 13 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Chippewas of Lakes Huron and Simcoe & the War of 1812 (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Coldwater Mill (about 90 meters away); The Rick Hansen Bridge (about 180 meters away); St. Ignace II (approx. 6 kilometers away); Ataronchronon Village (approx. 11.2 kilometers away); The Arrival of the Jesuits in New France (approx. 11.2 kilometers away);
this page online
Also see . . .
1. George Gray (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: George Gray was a Canadian shot putter who held the world record of 43 feet 11 inches from 1887 through 1902. Gray was raised in Coldwater, Ontario, Canada and first competed in the shot put in 1885. He won the prestigious British AAA Championships shot put event at the 1888 AAA Championships. On 24 May 1889 he is recorded as being recognized as the first Canadian athlete to set a world best in an athletics event with a shot put distance of 45' 2". He was, remarkably, to remain unbeaten throughout his career and held the world's best mark until early the next century. In 1973, Gray was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame and is recognized as one of Canada's most important early athletes. The trophy he won at the 1887 World Fair is one of exhibits held by the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame.(Submitted on November 3, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. George Gray (Canada Sports Hall of Fame).
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 7, 2024
2. George R. Gray Marker
The southwest corner of the Severn Township Public Library is in the background.
Excerpt: In the summer of 1885, track and field stars from around the world gathered to compete in the Canadian Amateur Athletic Championships. When a scrawny farm-boy from rural Ontario appeared, ready to compete in the 16-pound shot put event, his opponents merely scoffed. How could such a slight, inexperienced kid out-throw the shot putting champions from three different countries? These other men were "big enough to throw him over a woodshed," but George Gray, that scrawny farm-boy, proved that shot putting is not all about brute strength. In his first throw, Gray bettered his opponents' best shot by nearly half a foot. Not even the brawny international champions could better his mark, and the 20-year-old Gray was awarded the world title. Gray did not relinquish his title for 17 years. In this time, he competed in Canada, the United States, England, and Ireland, winning national titles in each country, setting numerous records, and never once experiencing defeat.(Submitted on November 3, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 159 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 3, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
