Career
He even had trouble getting to London, as he lacked the necessary finances until a Natal sportswriter collected funds to support Walker"s traveling In England, he was coached by Sam Mussabini, later also the coach of Harold Abrahams. Several of the big names did not qualify for the final, but Walker did.
His first round was a relatively easy victory run in 11.0 seconds.
In the second round, Walker edged out William West. May of the United States while tying the Olympic record of 10.8 seconds. This qualified him for the final.
There he competed against three North Americans, including James Rector of the United States, who had equalled the Olympic Record in both of the qualifier rounds. Walker beat Rector in the final by about a foot and half.