Joe Keeper facts for kids
Joseph Benjamin Keeper (January 17, 1886 – September 29, 1971) was a famous Canadian long-distance runner. He was a member of the Canadian team at the 1912 Olympic Games. Joe Keeper was also a proud member of the Norway House Cree Nation.
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 17, 1886 Walker Lake, Manitoba |
| Died | September 29, 1971 (aged 85) |
| Education | Brandon Indian Residential School |
| Spouse(s) | Christina McLeod |
| Sport | |
| Country | Canada |
| Sport | Athletics |
| Achievements and titles | |
| Olympic finals | 1912 - fourth in the 10,000 and ninth in the 5,000 |
| Personal best(s) | 15:28.9 for the 5000 and 32:36.2 for the 10,000 |
Contents
Early Life and Family
Joe Keeper was born on January 17, 1886, at Walker Lake, Manitoba. He was a member of the Norway House Cree Nation. As a child, he went to school in Brandon. It was there that he discovered his amazing talent for long-distance running.
Joe Keeper grew up practicing the Methodist religion. Later in life, he married Christina McLeod. They had a large family with four sons and three daughters. His granddaughter, Tina Keeper, became a well-known actress and Canadian politician.
Military Service
In 1916, Joe Keeper joined the Canadian Army. He served for two years in France during World War I. He was a brave soldier and received the Military Medal for his actions. This medal is given for bravery in battle.
In 1917, Joe Keeper teamed up with another famous runner, Tom Longboat. They won an important cross-country race together. This race was held near Vimy Ridge in France. Joe Keeper, Tom Longboat, and other First Nation runners often worked as dispatch carriers. This meant they delivered important messages across dangerous areas. Besides the Military Medal, Joe Keeper also received the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
After the war, Joe Keeper returned home. He worked as a carpenter in Winnipeg. Later, he moved back to northern Manitoba. There, he worked for the Hudson's Bay Company until he retired in 1951.
Running Career
In 1910, Joe Keeper moved to Winnipeg. He joined the North End Amateur Athletic Club. The very next year, he set a new Canadian record. This record was for the ten-mile run.
His talent led him to the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden. Joe Keeper was chosen for the Canadian Olympic team. He competed in two long-distance races: the 5,000-meter run and the 10,000-meter run.
Joe Keeper finished fourth in the 10,000-meter race. He placed ninth in the 5,000-meter race. These were the best results ever for a Canadian runner in those events at the time. His fastest times were 15 minutes and 28.9 seconds for the 5,000 meters. For the 10,000 meters, his best time was 32 minutes and 36.2 seconds.
Awards and Recognition
Joe Keeper's amazing achievements are still remembered today. He has been honored in several important halls of fame:
- In 1984, he was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.
- In 2015, he was inducted into both the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame and Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
Legacy and Memorials
Joe Keeper's legacy continues to inspire runners. The Manitoba Runners’ Association holds an annual race in his honor. It is now called the Joe Keeper - Angela Chalmers celebration run. The Norway House Cree Nation also holds memorial races to remember Joe Keeper.
