Fitzhugh Townsend facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Olympic medal record |
||
|---|---|---|
| Men's Fencing | ||
Representing  United States |
||
| Silver | 1904 St Louis | Team foil |
Samuel George Fitzhugh Townsend (born April 1872 – died December 11, 1906) was an American fencer. He is best known for winning a silver medal at the 1904 Summer Olympics. For a long time, people thought his first name was Charles, but later records showed his full name was Samuel George Fitzhugh Townsend.
Contents
Who Was Fitzhugh Townsend?
Samuel George Fitzhugh Townsend was born in April 1872. He was an American fencer who competed in the early 1900s. People often knew him by his middle name, Fitzhugh. For many years, there was a bit of a mystery about his first name, with some thinking it was Charles. However, records like his graduation program from Columbia University and his tombstone clearly show his full name was Samuel George Fitzhugh Townsend.
His Life and Studies
Fitzhugh Townsend was a very smart student. He went to Columbia University in New York City. There, he earned a degree in Physics. While at Columbia, he was also a part of the Columbia Lions fencing team. After finishing his studies, he became a professor at Columbia University. He taught a subject called electrical engineering.
Olympic Achievements
In 1904, Fitzhugh Townsend competed in the 1904 Summer Olympics held in St. Louis, USA. This was a big moment for him as an athlete.
Winning a Silver Medal
At the 1904 Olympics, Fitzhugh Townsend won a silver medal. He earned this medal in the team foil competition. This means he was part of a team of fencers who worked together. They competed against other teams using a type of sword called a foil.
Other Competitions
Besides the team event, Townsend also competed in individual fencing events.
- In the individual foil event, he was eliminated in the first round.
- In the individual épée event, he finished fifth overall. An épée is another type of sword used in fencing.
Later Life
Sadly, Fitzhugh Townsend died young. He passed away on December 11, 1906, at the age of 34. He died from a sickness called typhus. He is buried in the Townsend family plot at Trinity Cemetery in New York City.
