In 1908, Gissing won the A.A.U half-mile championship with a time of 1 minute 56 and 4/5 seconds. He came in first place in the 1,000 yard National A.A.U indoor championship three years running, 1908, 1909 and 1910. In 1909 Gissing also won the 880 yard New York Metropolitan A.A.U championship, and came in second place in the 880 yard Senior National A.A.U championship. As the anchor of the New York Athletic Club relay team, on many occasions he "turned apparent defeat into victory."[1]
On April 9, 1911, Gissing was part of the
IAAF- recognized world record for 4x440 yard or 4x400 meter relay race, with a time of 3 minutes and 18 4/5 seconds.[2] The other members of the world's record setting team were; James Rosenberger, Harry Schaaf and Mel Sheppard.[3]