Boston's Connolly: Olympic Games Pioneer and Author
James Brendan Connolly, son of immigrants from the Aran islands, became the first Olympic champion in over 1,500 years in 1896.
Connolly was a multifaceted individual: a war veteran, journalist, and author of over 25 novels and 200 short stories.
Connolly was born in South Boston, one of 12 children, to a fisherman father and a mother who raised the children and translated Gaelic poetry.
His childhood neighborhood in South Boston was obsessed with athletics, which likely influenced his future athletic career.
- Born in South Boston
- First Olympic champion in over 1,500 years
- War veteran, journalist, and author
Author's summary: James Brendan Connolly was a pioneering athlete and author.