DeHart Hubbard facts for kids
 Hubbard in 1924. |
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| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Men's athletics | ||
Representing the  United States |
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| Olympic Games | ||
| Gold | 1924 Paris | Long jump |
William DeHart Hubbard (born November 25, 1903 – died June 23, 1976) was an amazing track and field athlete. He made history as the first African American to win an Olympic gold medal in an individual event. This happened when he won the running long jump at the 1924 Paris Summer Games.
He was a record-breaker! In June 1925, he set a new world record in the long jump, leaping 25 feet 10+3⁄4 inches (7.89 m) in Chicago. A year later, in Cincinnati, Ohio, he matched the world record for the 100-yard dash, finishing in just 9.6 seconds.
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Hubbard's College Years and Sports Achievements
William DeHart Hubbard went to Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati. After that, he graduated with honors from the University of Michigan in 1927. While at college, he was a superstar in track and field.
Winning College Championships
Hubbard won many titles during his college career. He was a three-time National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) champion. He won the outdoor long jump in 1923 and 1925. He also won the 100-yard dash in 1925.
He was also a seven-time champion in the Big Ten Conference. He won the indoor 50-yard dash in 1923 and 1925. He took the outdoor long jump title in 1923, 1924, and 1925. Plus, he won the outdoor 100-yard dash in 1924 and 1925.
Setting Records at Michigan
His long jump of 25 feet 10+1⁄2 inches (7.89 m) in 1925 was a record for the Michigan Wolverines team until 1980. It still stands as the second-best jump in their history. His 1925 jump of 25 feet 3+1⁄2 inches (7.71 m) was also a Big Ten Championships record. This record was later broken by the legendary Jesse Owens in 1935.
Life After College and Public Service
After graduating from college, Hubbard started a career in public service. He worked to help his community in Cincinnati and later in Cleveland.
Working for the Community
He first became the supervisor of the Department of Colored Work for the Cincinnati Public Recreation Commission. He held this important job until 1941. After that, he became the manager of Valley Homes, a public housing project in Cincinnati.
In 1942, Hubbard moved to Cleveland, Ohio. There, he worked as a race relations adviser for the Federal Housing Authority. He retired from this role in 1969. He passed away in Cleveland in 1976.
Other Interests and Leadership
Besides track and field, Hubbard loved bowling. He even served as the president of the National Bowling Association during the 1950s. He also started the Cincinnati Tigers, a professional baseball team. This team played in the Negro American League.
Legacy and Honors
William DeHart Hubbard's achievements are still remembered and honored today.
In 1957, Hubbard was chosen for the National Track Hall of Fame. In 1979, after his death, he was inducted into the University of Michigan Hall of Honor. He was part of the second group of people to receive this honor. He was also a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
In 2010, the Omega Psi Phi fraternity started a scholarship fund in his name. This fund helps students at the University of Michigan.
Images for kids
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William DeHart Hubbard, long jump gold medalist, at the 1924 Olympics.
See also
- List of African American firsts
- University of Michigan Athletic Hall of Honor
