Jacobs was born inCardiff to John Jacobs (previously Yaakov), who was a general dealer from London. His athletics career started in London withHerne Hill Harriers in 1908.[4] His interest in athletics was aroused by watching the1908 Olympic Games.
At the1912 Summer Olympics inStockholm, Jacobs won a gold medal as the first leg in the British 4 × 100 mrelay team, despite finishing second behind theUnited States in the semifinals. The United States was later disqualified for a fault in passing the baton, the same mistake made in the finals by theworld record holder and main favouriteGerman team.
Jacobs competed in the 100 m and 200 m individual events but was eliminated in the semifinals.[1]
Jacobs retired from active sport afterWorld War I.[1] He died suddenly inAberconwy, aged 88, while on holiday from his London home. His body was returned to London, where he was buried in a Jewish cemetery,[4] atEast Ham. At the time of his death, he was Britain's oldest Olympic gold medalist.[1][12]
