[citation needed] He started his athletics career with the hurdles while still a student at Pomona High School.

[2] In March 1923 at the annual games between Stanford University and U.S.C., he equalled the world record for the 220 yard "low hurdles" event, in 24.8 seconds.

[6] Anderson qualified for the fourth of four places to compete in the men's decathlon at the 1924 Olympics.

[7] Once in Paris, he was injured in a bad landing in the sawdust pit during pole vault practice.

His Achilles tendon was torn loose among other injuries, and he was unable to complete the competition.