Education
Barker was born in Sydney and attended Newington College (1895-1901) and the University of Sydney.
Barker was born in Sydney and attended Newington College (1895-1901) and the University of Sydney.
He is described in the official Olympic history of Australia as "an outstanding all-rounder" and he played representative rugby union for New South Wales. In 1904, Barker was selected for the Street Louis Games, but injured an ankle playing rugby. He then repeated this feat in the 100 metres winning himself a second bronze medal.
A public subscription raised the funds for him to compete in Athens.