Barney Ewell facts for kids
Ewell in 1948
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Quick facts for kids Personal information |
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| Born | February 25, 1918 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
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| Died | April 4, 1996 (aged 78) Lancaster, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
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| Height | 180 cm | |||||||||||||
| Weight | 71 kg | |||||||||||||
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| Sport | Athletics | |||||||||||||
| Event(s) | Sprint, long jump | |||||||||||||
| Achievements and titles | ||||||||||||||
| Personal best(s) | 100 m – 10.43 (1948) 200 m – 20.8 (1948) LJ – 7.68 m (1942) |
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Medal record
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Henry Norwood "Barney" Ewell (born February 25, 1918 – died April 4, 1996) was an amazing American athlete. He won one gold medal and two silver medals at the 1948 Summer Olympics.
Contents
Barney Ewell's Early Life and Talent
Barney Ewell grew up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Even from a young age, he showed incredible talent in running. He became one of the best sprinters in the world during the 1940s.
High School and College Success
Barney went to J. P. McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He was known as the best high school sprinter and jumper in the state during the mid-1930s. Later, his high school honored him by naming their stadium after him. He was also added to the J.P. McCaskey Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988.
Barney then went to Pennsylvania State University. There, he continued to shine! Between 1940 and 1942, he won 12 gold medals in college track meets. He also earned 11 gold medals in national meets organized by the AAU from 1939 to 1948. Barney was also an excellent long jumper, leaping an impressive 7.68 meters (about 25 feet 2 inches) in 1942.
Serving His Country
From 1941 to 1945, Barney Ewell served in the military. After his service, he returned to university and earned his degree in 1947.
The 1948 London Olympics
In 1948, Barney surprised many people by making the U.S. Olympic team. He even tied the world record for the 100-meter dash at the Olympic trials!
Close Finishes in London
At the Olympic Games in London, Barney had some very exciting races.
- In the 100-meter race, he thought he had won, but the victory went to his teammate, Harrison Dillard. Barney earned a silver medal.
- In the 200-meter race, it was another very close finish. Barney again came in second, this time to his teammate Mel Patton, earning another silver medal.
Relay Race Drama
Barney was added to the 4 × 100-meter relay team. The American team easily won the race. However, officials first said that the handoff between Barney and Lorenzo Wright was outside the allowed zone. This meant the team was disqualified! But after watching a film of the race, the officials changed their minds. This allowed Barney to finally get his Olympic gold medal!
Life After the Olympics
After the Olympics, Barney Ewell became a professional athlete. This meant he could accept money for competing. He continued to race in places like Australia and New Zealand. He also competed in Scotland in 1950, winning a big sprint race there.
Barney Ewell passed away in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1996. He was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1986, recognizing his amazing career.
Barney Ewell's Olympic Medals
| Year | Competition | Venue | Position | Event | Notes |
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Representing  United States |
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| 1948 | Olympics | London, England | 2nd | 100 m | 10.4 |
| 1948 | Olympics | London, England | 2nd | 200 m | 21.1 |
See also
- List of Pennsylvania State University Olympians
