Alvah Meyer

Alvah T. Meyer (July 18, 1888 – December 19, 1939) was an American sprint runner. He was a Jewish member of the Irish American Athletic Club, which also included Abel Kiviat and Myer Prinstein.

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.

Olympic silver medalist
Meyer underperformed at the 1912 Olympic Trials and was only selected for the US Olympic team on the condition he pay his travel, which was eventually covered by his parents. 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.

In 1914 he set a world indoor record at 60 yards, and in 1915 he set a world record at 330 yards.