Dave Albritton facts for kids

Medal record
Men's athletics
Representing  United States
Olympic Games
Silver	1936 Berlin	High jump

David Donald Albritton (born April 13, 1913 – died May 14, 1994) was an amazing American athlete. He was also a teacher, a coach, and even a politician. David Albritton had a very long sports career, winning many awards over 30 years. He was one of the first high jumpers to use a special way of jumping called the straddle technique. He was born in a town called Danville, Alabama.

David Albritton's Sports Career

David Albritton was a student at Ohio State University. In 1936, when he was in his second year, he won the national championship for college athletes. This was a big win for him.

Setting a World Record

In 1936, David Albritton and another athlete named Cornelius Johnson both jumped very high. They cleared 6 feet 9 and three-quarter inches (2.07 meters). This jump set a new world record at the Olympic tryouts. They were the first Black athletes to hold the world record in the high jump event.

The 1936 Olympic Games

At the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, David Albritton won the silver medal. He jumped 6 feet 6 and three-quarter inches (2.00 meters). He finished second to Cornelius Johnson. David had to do an extra jump-off because he and two other jumpers all cleared the same height.

During these Olympics, the leader of Germany, Adolf Hitler, did not greet Albritton and Johnson when they went to get their medals. In 2016, a film called Olympic Pride, American Prejudice was made. It told the story of the 18 Black American athletes at the 1936 Olympics, including David Albritton and Jesse Owens.

Winning Many Titles

David Albritton was a champion many times. He won or shared seven national titles from 1936 to 1950. He was the outdoor champion in 1937, 1946, and 1947. He also shared three national college titles in 1938, 1945, and 1950.

Life After Sports

After his amazing sports career, David Albritton became a high school teacher. He also worked as a coach, helping young athletes.

Serving in Politics

David Albritton also became a politician. He served six terms in the Ohio House of Representatives. This means he was a lawmaker for the state of Ohio for many years. In 1980, he was honored for his sports achievements. He was added to the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame.

Remembering David Albritton

David D. Albritton is buried in Dayton, Ohio, at the Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum.

On July 12, 2013, a special marker was put up in Danville, Alabama. This marker honors David Albritton and his achievements.

David Albritton and Jesse Owens

David Albritton had many things in common with another famous athlete, Jesse Owens.

• Both were born in Alabama. Albritton was from Danville, and Owens was from nearby Oakville.
• Both went to East Technical High School in Cleveland, Ohio.
• Both attended the Ohio State University.
• Both were coached by Larry Snyder.
• Both were members of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
• Both competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics.

See also

• In Spanish: Dave Albritton para niños