12 Facts About Jock Semple

John Duncan Semple was a Scottish-American runner, physical therapist, trainer, and sports official.

Jock Semple subsequently claimed that amateur rules banned women racing for more than 1.5 miles.

Jock Semple subsequently oversaw implementation of qualifying times in 1970 and, in response to lobbying and rule changes by the Amateur Athletic Union, the implementation of a separate women's race in 1972.

Jock Semple was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and emigrated to the United States in 1921 to work as a cabinetmaker in Philadelphia.

Jock Semple moved to Boston after running in his first Boston Marathon and began to work in sport-related fields.

Jock Semple was a masseur and physical therapist for the Boston Bruins and the Boston Celtics, and a trainer for Olympic athletes.

Jock Semple had an established history dating back to at least 1957 of physically attacking Boston Marathon runners he perceived to be "non-serious" competitors, whether officially entered or running the course unofficially.

Jock Semple tried to stop Switzer by repeatedly assaulting her as she ran.

Later in life, Jock Semple reversed his position on women competing in the marathon.

Jock Semple was inducted into the RRCA American Long Distance Running Hall of Fame in 1985.

Jock Semple died of cancer of the liver and pancreas in March 1988 in Peabody, Massachusetts.

The Jock Semple Award given by the Boston Athletic Association is named in his honor.