Martin Sheridan facts for kids
 Martin Sheridan |
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| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Men’s athletics | ||
Representing the  United States |
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| Olympic Games | ||
| Gold | 1904 St Louis | Discus throw |
| Gold | 1908 London | Discus throw |
| Gold | 1908 London | Greek discus |
| Bronze | 1908 London | Standing long jump |
| Intercalated Games | ||
| Gold | 1906 Athens | Discus throw |
| Gold | 1906 Athens | Shot put |
| Silver | 1906 Athens | Standing high jump |
| Silver | 1906 Athens | Standing long jump |
| Silver | 1906 Athens | Stone throw |
Martin John Sheridan (born March 28, 1881 – died March 27, 1918) was an amazing athlete. He won three Olympic Games gold medals. Martin was born in Bohola, County Mayo, Ireland.
He passed away in Manhattan, New York, just one day before his 37th birthday. Sadly, he was one of the first people to die from the 1918 flu pandemic. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Queens, New York. Martin was part of a famous group of Irish-American athletes. They were known as the "Irish Whales".
Contents
Martin's Amazing Sports Career
At 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 194 pounds, Martin Sheridan was a top athlete. He was the best all-around athlete from the Irish American Athletic Club. Like many of his teammates, he also worked for the New York City Police Department. He served as a police officer from 1906 until he died in 1918.
Martin was so respected in the police force. He even served as the Governor's personal bodyguard when the governor visited New York City.
Olympic Achievements
Martin Sheridan won a total of nine Olympic medals. Five of these were gold medals. People called him "one of the greatest figures" in international sports. He was also very popular.
He won the discus throw event at the 1904, 1906, and 1908 Summer Olympic Games. He also won the shot put at the 1906 Olympics. In 1908, he won the Greek discus event.
At the 1906 Intercalated Games in Athens, he won several silver medals. These included the standing high jump, standing long jump, and the stone throw.
Other Championships
In 1907, Martin won the National Amateur Athletic Union discus championship. He also won the Canadian championship that year.
In 1908, he continued his winning streak. He won the Metropolitan, National, and Canadian championships. At the 1908 Olympic Games, he won two gold medals in discus throw. He also earned a bronze medal in the standing long jump.
Where Are His Medals Now?
Two of Martin Sheridan's gold medals from the 1904 Summer Olympics are on display. They are from the games in St. Louis, Missouri. One of his medals from the 1906 Intercalated Games in Athens, Greece is also there.
These medals are kept in the USA Track & Field's Hall of Fame History Gallery. This gallery is located in Washington Heights, Manhattan.
Martin's Lasting Legacy
There is a story about Martin Sheridan from the 1908 London Olympics. It is said that the flagbearer, Ralph Rose, refused to dip the flag to King Edward VII. Sheridan supposedly supported Rose. He is said to have explained, "This flag dips to no earthly king."
This statement was believed to show both Irish and American pride against the British monarchy. However, later research showed that this story first appeared in 1952. Martin Sheridan himself never mentioned it in his reports. His obituary also did not mention it.
The monument marking Martin Sheridan's grave is a granite Celtic Cross. It is in Calvary Cemetery, Queens, New York. Part of the inscription says: "Devoted to the Institutions of his Country, and the Ideals and Aspirations of his Race. Athlete. Patriot."
According to his obituary in the New York Times, Sheridan was "one of the greatest athletes the United States has ever known."
See also
In Spanish: Martin Sheridan para niños
