John Woodruff (athlete) facts for kids
John Woodruff winning the 800 m race at the 1936 Olympics
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Quick facts for kids Personal information |
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| Born | July 5, 1915 South Connellsville, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
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| Died | October 30, 2007 (aged 92) Fountain Hills, Arizona, U.S. |
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| Alma mater | University of Pittsburgh | ||||||||||
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| Sport | Athletics | ||||||||||
| Event(s) | 400-1500 meter | ||||||||||
| Club | Pittsburgh Panthers | ||||||||||
| Retired | 1940 | ||||||||||
| Achievements and titles | |||||||||||
| Personal best(s) | 440 yards – 47.0 (1937) 880 yards – 1:47.7i (1940) Mile – 4:12.8 (1939) |
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Medal record
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John Youie "Long John" Woodruff (born July 5, 1915 – died October 30, 2007) was an American middle-distance runner. He is famous for winning the 800 meter race at the 1936 Summer Olympics. His victory was especially memorable because of a surprising moment during the race.
Contents
John Woodruff: An Olympic Champion
Early Life and Olympic Dream
John Woodruff was a student at the University of Pittsburgh in 1936. Even though he was only a freshman, he quickly showed how talented he was. He came in second at a big national track meet. Then, he won the Olympic Trials. This earned him a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. He was also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
The Amazing 800m Race
Despite being new to the Olympic stage, John was a favorite to win the 800-meter race. He did not disappoint! It was one of the most exciting races in Olympic history. At one point, John got stuck behind other runners. He was forced to stop running completely. But then, he made an incredible comeback to win the gold medal in 1 minute and 52.9 seconds.
The New York Times newspaper described the race. John remembered the tough moment: "Phil Edwards, a Canadian doctor, started the race slowly. On the first lap, I was on the inside and got trapped. I knew if I tried to break out and bumped someone, I would be disqualified. At that moment, I didn't think I could win."
John was 21 years old and a college freshman. He was tall, about 6 feet 3 inches, and a bit awkward when he ran. But he was a very quick thinker. He made a fast decision.
"I didn't panic," he said. "I just thought if I had only one chance to win, this was it. People say I slowed down or almost stopped. I didn't almost stop. I stopped, and everyone else ran around me."
Then, with his huge stride, John ran around everyone else. He took the lead, lost it for a moment, but then got it back on the final turn. He won the gold medal!
Life After the Olympics
John Woodruff's running career was cut short by World War II. Still, he won many titles. He won an Amateur Athletic Union title in the 800 meters in 1937. He also won both 440-yard and 880-yard titles from 1937 to 1939. John also helped set a world record in the 4x880-yard relay with the national team.
John graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1939. He studied sociology. He then earned a master's degree in the same subject from New York University in 1941. He joined the military in 1941 as a second lieutenant. He left as a captain in 1945. He rejoined the military during the Korean War. He left in 1957 as a lieutenant colonel.
In his later years, John lived in New Rochelle and Hightstown, New Jersey. He coached young athletes. He also helped officiate track meets. John worked as a teacher in New York City. He was also a special investigator and a recreation center director. He even worked as a parole officer for the state of New York.
In the late 1990s, John and his wife, Rose, retired to Fountain Hills, Arizona. His last public appearance was on April 15, 2007. He was honored by the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team. He threw out the first pitch with members of the Tuskegee Airmen. John Woodruff is buried at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis.
His Lasting Legacy
Every year, a 5-kilometer road race is held in Connellsville, Pennsylvania. This race honors John Woodruff. In 2016, a film called Olympic Pride, American Prejudice was made. It told the story of the eighteen Black American athletes, including John Woodruff, who competed in the 1936 Olympics.
See also
In Spanish: John Woodruff para niños
