Edward Gourdin facts for kids
Edward Gourdin at the 1924 Olympics
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Quick facts for kids Personal information |
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| Born | August 10, 1897 Jacksonville, Florida, United States |
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| Died | July 22, 1966 (aged 68) Quincy, Massachusetts, United States |
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| Alma mater | Harvard University | ||||||||||
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) | ||||||||||
| Weight | 79 kg (174 lb) | ||||||||||
| Sport | |||||||||||
| Sport | Athletics | ||||||||||
| Event(s) | Long jump | ||||||||||
| Club | Dorchester Club | ||||||||||
| Achievements and titles | |||||||||||
| Personal best(s) | 7.69 m (1921) | ||||||||||
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Medal record
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Edward Orval "Ned" Gourdin (born August 10, 1897 – died July 22, 1966) was an amazing American athlete and a respected judge. He made history by being the first person ever to jump 25 feet in the long jump. He was also the first African-American and the first Native-American (from the Seminole people) to become a Superior Court judge in the New England area.
Contents
Who Was Edward Gourdin?
Edward Gourdin was born in Jacksonville, Florida. From a young age, he showed great talent in sports. He became known for his incredible long jump skills.
Early Life and Education
Edward Gourdin went to Harvard University. While he was there, he was part of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. This was an important part of his college life. He studied hard and also trained as an athlete.
A Star Athlete: The Long Jump
Gourdin was a top athlete, especially in the long jump. In 1921, he achieved a remarkable jump of 7.69 meters (about 25 feet and 2 inches). This was a world record at the time! It showed how powerful and skilled he was.
Olympic Success in 1924
Edward Gourdin represented the United States at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. He competed in the long jump event. He performed very well and won a silver medal for his country. This was a huge achievement for him.
Edward Gourdin's Career as a Judge
After his success in sports, Edward Gourdin chose a different path. He decided to become a lawyer and a judge. This was another area where he made a big impact.
Becoming a Lawyer
After returning from the Olympics, Gourdin studied law. He passed his exams and became a lawyer. He started his own law practice.
Serving the Public
In 1935, Gourdin took on a new role. He became an Assistant United States Attorney for Massachusetts. This meant he worked for the government, helping with legal cases.
Becoming a Judge
Edward Gourdin continued to rise in the legal world. In 1951, he was appointed to the Roxbury District Court. This was his first step as a judge. Later, in 1958, Governor Foster Furcolo appointed him to the Massachusetts Superior Court. This is one of the highest courts in the state. He served as a judge on this court until he passed away in 1966.
Edward Gourdin's life showed that you can achieve great things in many different fields. He was a record-breaking athlete and a respected judge.
See also
In Spanish: Edward Gourdin para niños
