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Back to Athlete Bios
Athlete Bio

Bernie Wefers

Basic Information

Status: Hall of Fame Gender: Male Date of Birth: 2/19/1873

Athletics Information

Event: Outdoor Track & Field Agent: N/A

Residences

Hometown: Lawerence, Massachusetts College: Boston College, Georgetown University

A three-time USA 100y and 220y champion and two-time IC4A 100y champion, Bernie Wefers is considered one of the most dominant sprinters of his era. The 1896 IC4A 220y champion, Wefers tied the 100y world record three times and was a two-time 220y-straight world record holder. During his career, Wefers owned the 220y-turn world record four times, was world ranked in the 100m/100y four times, and on three occasions was ranked #1 globally. He was world ranked in 200m/200y on four occasions (three times #1), and was world ranked at 400m/440y on two occasions. He won the 100y (=WR) and 220y (WR) at the 1895 New York A.C. vs. London A.C. dual meet, and he is the only sprinter, other than Hall of Fame inductee Ralph Metcalfe, to win three consecutive national championships 100/200 doubles. Wefers died April 18, 1957.

Records Held
World Record: 100 y - 9.80 (September 21, 1895)
World Record: 220 y - 21.60 (September 21, 1895)
World Record: 100 y - 9.80 (May 30, 1896)
World Record: 220 y - 21.20 (May 30, 1896)
World Record: 100 y - 9.80 (August 28, 1897)

Championships
1895 USA Outdoor Championships: 100 y - 10.00 (1st)
1895 USA Outdoor Championships: 220 y - 21.80 (1st)
1896 USA Outdoor Championships: 100 y - 10.20 (1st)
1896 USA Outdoor Championships: 220 y - 23.05 (1st)
1897 USA Outdoor Championships: 100 y - 9.80 (1st)
1897 USA Outdoor Championships: 220 y - 21.45 (1st)

Occupations
Coach at New York Athletic Club



 

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