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Frank Parks was born in London in 1875 and became a member of the Polytechnic Boxing Club in 1892. He had great success as an amateur boxer and won his first Polytechnic competition that same year. By 1899, he had won his first English Championship, competing for the Poly. Parks was the Amateur Boxing Association (ABA) Heavyweight Champion in 1899, 1901-1902 and 1905-1906. He also won the Polytechnic’s Studd Trophy in 1902 for the best athletic achievement. French Championships in 1905. Won Olympic Bronze in 1908.

In 1905 he retired from boxing and spent his retirement coaching novices. However, he returned to the ring in 1911 for a series of ABA exhibition bouts at Madison Square Garden in New York with fellow Brit Reuben Charles Warnes.

In 1914 he was made Honourable Secretary of the Polytechnic Boxing Club and remained involved with the club until his death in 1945. The Club dedicated a laurel wreath plaque to his memory with the inscription ‘as a token of admiration by his many friends for his high example and untiring efforts for the welfare of this club for 52 years’.

Official of the Polytechnic Harriers. Associated with the Polytechnic Xmas Dinner Fund as well as other welfare work.

As honorary secretary of the Polytechnic Harriers Andrew planned the route of the 1908 Olympic Games marathon route from Windsor to the White City Stadium. He was also Clerk of the Race for marathon. When Italian runner Dorando Pietri collapsed due to exhaustion near the finishing line, Andrew helped him to his feet and assisted him over the line costing Pietri the race as he was disqualified. American runner JJ Hayes won the race. Pietri was awarded a special silver-gilded cup by Queen Alexandra.

Guided Harriers club from 1904 - 1912