Charles Moore (hurdler) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles H. Moore Jr.
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Moore at the 1952 Summer Olympics
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| Born |
Charles Hewes Moore Jr.
August 12, 1929 |
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| Died | October 8, 2020 (aged 91) Laporte, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Nationality | American | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Alma mater | Mercersburg Academy '47 Cornell University '52 |
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| Spouse(s) | Judith M. Moore (m. 1971–present) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Children | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Parent(s) | Charles Hewes Moore Sr. (father) Jane Scott Moore (mother) |
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Charles Hewes Moore Jr. (born August 12, 1929 – died October 8, 2020) was an American track and field athlete. He was also a kind person who helped others (a philanthropist), a successful businessman, and someone who worked to make society better.
Moore won a gold medal in the 400 metre hurdles at the 1952 Summer Olympics. His time was 50.8 seconds. He also helped his team win a silver medal in the 4×400 metres relay at the Olympics. In 1999, he was added to the United States National Track and Field Hall of Fame. Charles Moore passed away on October 8, 2020, at the age of 91.
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Charles Moore's Amazing Athletic Career
Charles Moore started his track and field journey in high school at Mercersburg Academy. His coach, Jimmy Curran, suggested he try hurdling. This was because his father, Charles "Crip" Moore Sr., was also a hurdler. His dad even made the U.S. Olympic team as an alternate in 1924.
Charles Jr. continued running track at Cornell University in New York. While at Cornell, he won several big titles. He won NCAA races in 1949 and 1951. He also won indoor races like the IC4A 600-yard run in 1950. From 1949 to 1952, he won four straight Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) titles in the 400-meter hurdles.
At Cornell, Moore became one of the first to take 13 steps between hurdles in the 400-meter hurdle race. Before the 1950s, most runners took 15 steps. This new technique helped him run faster.
Olympic Success in 1952
On July 21, 1952, Charles Moore competed in the Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland. He won a gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles. He also set a new Olympic record for that event.
He then ran the third part of the 4x400-meter relay race for the American team. His team won a silver medal. Their performance broke the world record by 4 seconds. However, Jamaica's team ran even faster, winning the gold medal.
Moore was honored by Cornell University in 1978. He was part of their first Athletics Hall of Fame group. There is even an award named after him at Cornell. It is called the Charles H. Moore Outstanding Senior Varsity Athlete Award. From 1994 to 1999, he also served as the Director of Athletics at Cornell University.
Life After Sports: Business and Helping Others
After the 1952 Olympics, Moore stopped competing in sports. He started a long career in business that lasted 42 years. He worked for his family's business, Lenape Forge, and later led several other large manufacturing companies.
Moore also spent time helping important organizations. From 1992 to 2000, he was a director for the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). He also helped lead the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP). This group encourages companies to give back to their communities.
He was also a member of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. This shows his continued interest in health and sports. He received awards for his work, including the NonProfit & NGO CEO of the Year in 2008.
Education and Learning
Charles Moore graduated with honors from Mercersburg Academy in 1947. He then earned his degree from Cornell University in 1952. At Cornell, he was part of special honor societies like Aleph Samach and Quill and Dagger society.
He continued to support Mercersburg Academy. He served on their Board of Regents and was recognized as a distinguished former student in 2002.
Sharing His Story: Books for All Ages
In 2017, Charles Moore wrote a book called Running on Purpose: Winning Olympic Gold, Advancing Corporate Leadership and Creating Sustainable Value. This book shared details about his life as an athlete, a businessman, and a person who helped others.
Later in 2017, Moore published a second book especially for younger readers. It is called One Hurdle at a Time: An Olympian's Guide to Clearing Life's Obstacles. He worked with children's author Brad Herzog on this book. It was written to give kids a look into his amazing life journey.
See also
In Spanish: Charles Moore (atleta) para niños
