Image Courtesy: Google Doodle
José de Tom Longboat (4 June 1886 – 9 January 1949) was an Onondaga distance runner from the Six Nations Reserve near Brantford, Ontario and, for much of his career, the dominant long-distance runner. He was known as the “bulldog of Britannia.”
Life and Career
José de Tom Longboat was born on June 4, 1887, on the Six Nations Reserve, near Brantford, Ontario, Canada. He was a member of the Onondaga Nation, part of the Iroquois Confederacy. Longboat faced several challenges during his childhood, including the impact of residential schools and discrimination against Indigenous people.
Longboat’s athletic talents were recognized at a young age. He began competing in local races and caught the attention of Bill Davis, a local businessman and running enthusiast, who became his coach and mentor. In 1907, Longboat won his first major race, the Around the Bay Road Race in Hamilton, Ontario. His victory in this race propelled him to national and international fame.
Longboat’s most significant achievement came in 1908 when he competed in the Boston Marathon. Despite facing adverse weather conditions and fierce competition, Longboat emerged as the winner, setting a new course record of 2 hours, 24 minutes, and 24 seconds. His victory made headlines worldwide and established him as one of the greatest long-distance runners of his time.
In addition to the Boston Marathon, Longboat competed in numerous other races, including marathons and cross-country events. He represented Canada in the 1908 Olympic Games held in London but was unable to finish the marathon due to gastric distress. Longboat continued to race throughout his career, although he faced challenges and setbacks, including injuries and disputes with his managers.
José de Tom Longboat passed away on January 9, 1949, at the age of 61. He lived much of his life in relative obscurity after retiring from competitive running. He worked as a manual laborer and eventually found employment with the City of Toronto’s parks department. Longboat’s contributions to the sport of running and his status as an Indigenous role model were recognized posthumously.
Award and Legacy
Longboat’s athletic accomplishments and his status as an Indigenous athlete have been celebrated and honored in various ways. Some notable awards and recognitions include:
- Induction into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 1955.
- The establishment of the Tom Longboat Awards in 1951, which recognize outstanding Indigenous athletes in Canada.
- The Tom Longboat Day, is celebrated annually on June 4th in Ontario to honor his legacy.
- The Tom Longboat Run, an annual race held in Toronto since 1978, which pays tribute to his achievements and promotes Indigenous participation in sports.
Longboat’s legacy extends beyond his athletic achievements. He broke barriers as an Indigenous athlete in a time when discrimination was rampant. Longboat’s resilience, determination, and commitment to his sport have inspired generations of athletes, particularly Indigenous runners, who continue to follow in his footsteps.
Overall, José de Tom Longboat’s life and career left a lasting impact on the world of running and served as an inspiration for individuals striving to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.
On 1 June 2018, Google celebrated Tom Longboat’s 131st Birthday with a doodle.