Career
Lightbody, born in Pittsburgh and graduating from high school in Muncie, Indiana, had great success at the 1904 Summer Olympics, held in Saint Louis. Later that day, he added a second place to his tally, when he competed with the Chicago Athletic Association in the 4 mile team event. Lightbody competed again in the 1908 Summer Olympics.
In the 800 metres, he placed only fourth in his first round heat.
Lightbody lost a close race to fellow American James Sullivan in the first round of the 1500 metres, eliminating him from further competition. He was defeated by a mere ten yards by Harry Sewell in the first round of the 3200 metre steeplechase and did not qualify for the final.
Lightbody died in 1953, two weeks short of his 71st birthday in Charleston, South Carolina.