He was born in New York City on July 18, 1888. Showing great promise prior to the 1912 Olympics, he won the AAU indoor 60y in 1911 and the 220 y outdoor in 1912.[2]
Olympic silver medalist
Meyer underperformed at the 1912 Olympic Trials and was only selected for the US Olympic team on the condition he pay for his travel, which his parents eventually covered. He won the silver medal in the 100 meters, but though he was the reigning American champion at the time, he was eliminated in the semi-finals of the 200 m event.[3]
In 1914, he set a world indoor record at 60 yards; in 1915, he set a world record at 330 yards.[2]
* Distances have varied as follows: 300 yards (1906-1932), 440 yards (1981–1986), 400 meters (1987–present) alternating with 300 meters in odd numbered years 2015-2019
Held over 60 yards from 1906 to 1986, with the exception of 1933–39 (60 meters). Held over 55 meters from 1987–90. 75-yard winners (1906-15) are listed separately.