Macintosh was born in Kelso and educated at Glenalmond College and Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. A sprinter, at the StockholmOlympic Games, he was eliminated in the first round of the 100 metres and did not finish in the semi-final of the 200 metres. He won a gold medal in the second leg in the British 4 × 100 m relay team despite finishing second after the United States in the semifinal. The United States was later disqualified for a fault in passing the baton – the same mistake was made in the final by the world record holder and main favourite German team.
In 1913, Macintosh served as president of the Cambridge University Athletics Club, won the Scottish title, and equalled the British record for over 100 yards. He ran his last competition in 1914 and left for South Africa.[1] After the start of World War I, he was commissioned into the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He died as a captain at age 26 from wounds. He was buried in Senlis French National Cemetery.[4][5]