WEFERS, BERNARD J., SR.

born Feb. 19, 1873, Lawrence, Mass., U.S. died April 18, 1957, New York, N.Y. byname Bernie Wefers American sprinter who held the world record for the 200-metre dash (straightaway; 1896-1921, though tied by five other runners) and for the 220-yard dash (straightaway; 1896-1921, also tied by the same five runners). Wefers ran for the New York Athletic Club and also coached for the club (1904-47). He held the Intercollegiate Association of Amateur Athletes of America championships for the 100-yard dash (1896-97). He is credited with having perfected the "shrug finish": throwing the body sideways across the finish line, with one arm high and the other back. His son, Bernard J., Jr., was a member of U.S. relay teams holding world records for the 4 110-yard relay (1921-23) and for the 4 220-yard relay (1921-27).