Professional Athlete

[HamishDundee]

Hi, I found recently that my great grandfather had an interesting occupation: Professional Athlete.

It strikes me as an unusual occupation to have in the present day, never mind ~100 years ago, so I'm curious to know more! My question is, would there a good starting point to explore it further? Event records, maybe?

I'm aware there is a good amount of detail kept to track present day athletic performances, not sure how far they go back though.

TIA

[ShaunJ]

Welcome to Rootschat, Hamish.

The term "Athlete" conjures up images of modern track events but 100+ years ago it didn't have quite the same meaning. When a group of professional athletes got together in 1906 and voted to form an association, newspapers reported that the meeting was "representative of pedestrians, wrestlers, dancers, and other classes of athletes".

Have you searched for mentions of your great grandfather in contemporary newspapers?

[stanmapstone]

This is one definition in the OED
b. A person who (naturally or through training) has the traits required for proficiency in sports and other forms of physical exercise; one is physically strong, fit, and active.
A pedestrian in this context was someone who walks or runs in athletic competition.

There are many newspaper references to Professional Athletes in the 19th Century 
Stan

[HamishDundee]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. I see, will look into the topic further in newspaper archive history.

[KGarrad]

"The Repair Shop" this week (BBC1) was renovating a belt issued to the "World Pedestrian Championship" (or somesuch title  ).

The chap concerned was a champion walker.

[stanmapstone]

From "A Dictionary of Occupational Terms"
Professional Player; for purposes of gain, takes part in public exhibitions or competitions of a game or sport; keeps in physical fitness by exercises and practice under direction of a trainer or coach; sometimes acts as coach, trainer or instructor to members of a club; usually specifically designated, e.g. professional athlete, billiard player, cricketer, footballer, golfer, boxer, racquets player, tennis player, walker, wrestler.

Stan