[1] Reid was born in England, but raised in Southern Africa, where his father worked as a school inspector in Basutoland (now Lesotho).

He then studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh and won several Scottish AAA sprint titles in 1930–1933.

Reid finished second behind Ernie Page in the 100 yards event at the 1931 AAA Championships.

[4][5][6] Shortly afterwards Reid was selected to represent Great Britain at the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles but pulled a muscle after starting his 100 m heat, and had to abandon the race.

He resumed competing in the 1970s, representing Rhodesia, and won the 100 m title in the 70–74 age group in a time of 13.80.