Frederick Simpson (athlete)

Frederick "Fred" Simpson (born November 12, 1878, in Cape Croker, Ontario, Canada; died May 19, 1945, in Cape Croker, Ontario, Canada) was a Canadian long-distance runner. He is best known for representing Canada at the 1908 Summer Olympics in London, England.

Simpson competed in the marathon at the 1908 Olympics. He finished in sixth place with a time of 3:00:10.4. The race was notable for its dramatic finish, where Dorando Pietri of Italy collapsed just before the finish line and was controversially assisted across, leading to his disqualification. Simpson’s sixth-place finish was considered a respectable achievement for a relatively unknown athlete.

Prior to the Olympics, Simpson was a member of the Ojibway First Nation. He gained recognition for his running abilities in local races and marathons in Canada. He was selected to the Canadian Olympic team following successful performances at qualifying events.

After the Olympics, Simpson returned to Canada and continued to participate in local races. He maintained a connection to the athletic community, although he never achieved the same level of international prominence again. He lived a relatively quiet life, returning to his First Nations community.

His participation in the 1908 Olympic marathon is remembered as a significant achievement for a Canadian Indigenous athlete in the early 20th century, showcasing his talent and dedication on an international stage. His performance helped inspire future generations of Indigenous athletes in Canada.