Charles Reidpath facts for kids
Charles Reidpath at the 1912 Olympics
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Quick facts for kids Personal information |
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| Born | September 20, 1889 Buffalo, New York, United States |
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| Died | October 21, 1975 (aged 86) Kenmore, New York, United States |
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| Height | 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) | ||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 76 kg (168 lb) | ||||||||||||||||
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| Sport | Sprint running | ||||||||||||||||
| Club | NYAC, New York | ||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Charles Decker Reidpath (born September 20, 1889, died October 21, 1975) was an amazing American athlete. He was a track and field sprinter who won two gold medals at the 1912 Summer Olympics. Later in his life, he also had a very successful military career.
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Early Life and College Sports
Charles Reidpath was born in Buffalo, New York. He went to Lafayette High School there. Later, he became a college track star at Syracuse University. In 1912, he won races like the 220-yard and 440-yard dashes. He also played football for Syracuse University.
Olympic Glory in 1912
After graduating from Syracuse in 1912, Charles earned a degree in civil engineering. His family wanted him to join their business. But Charles decided to follow his dream. He joined the U.S. Olympic track team instead. He traveled to Stockholm, Sweden, for the Olympic Games.
Breaking Records in Stockholm
At the 1912 Olympics, Charles Reidpath was incredible. He won the 400-meter race. His time of 48.2 seconds was a new Olympic record. It was also recognized as a world record at the time! He also helped the U.S. team win another gold medal. He ran the last part of the 4 × 400-meter relay. The team set a new world record of 3:16.6. Charles also competed in the 200-meter race, finishing fifth.
A Distinguished Military Career
After his amazing Olympic success, Charles Reidpath joined the military. He became a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army. He served during World War II. He worked in the Transportation Corps. This meant he helped move supplies and troops.
Serving in World War II
Charles served in England, France, and Belgium. He earned special battle stars for his service. These were for the Northern France and Rheinland campaigns. In Belgium, he received a special honor. He was made an Officer of the Crown. This was for his important work at the port of Antwerp in 1944 and 1945.
Retirement from the National Guard
In 1948, Charles Reidpath retired from the New York National Guard. He was given the rank of Brigadier General. This is a very high rank in the military. He is also a member of the Lafayette High School Sports Hall of Fame.
Life After Sports and Military
Besides his sports and military achievements, Charles Reidpath had a career in construction. From 1912 to 1937, he worked for the Berdencer construction company. After that, he became the director of buildings for the city of Buffalo.
Building Buffalo
For 15 years, he worked in the city's public works department. In 1956, he helped build the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Buffalo Branch. He was the superintendent of construction for the architects on that project. Charles Reidpath passed away in Kenmore, New York, in 1975.
