Myer Prinstein facts for kids
 Prinstein in 1904 |
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| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Men's athletics | ||
Representing the  United States |
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| Olympic Games | ||
| Gold | 1900 Paris | Triple jump |
| Gold | 1904 St. Louis | Triple jump |
| Gold | 1904 St. Louis | Long jump |
| Silver | 1900 Paris | Long jump |
| Intercalated Games | ||
| Gold | 1906 Athens | Long jump |
Myer Prinstein (born Mejer Prinsztejn) was an amazing American track and field athlete. He was born on December 22, 1878, in Poland and passed away on March 10, 1925. Myer was famous for holding the long jump world record. He also won many gold medals at the Olympic Games in both the long jump and the triple jump.
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Myer Prinstein's Early Life
Myer Prinstein was Jewish and was born in a town called Szczuczyn in Poland. At that time, Poland was ruled by Russia. When Myer was about five years old, his family moved to New York City in 1883. Soon after, they settled in Syracuse, New York, where Myer grew up.
Myer's parents, Jacob and Julia, had nine children in total: five daughters and four sons. Myer was the third child. His father worked as a grocer and a baker. Myer later became the captain of the Syracuse University track team. He also earned a law degree from the university.
Setting World Records
Myer Prinstein was a record-breaker! On June 11, 1898, he set a new long jump world record. He jumped 7.235 meters (about 23 feet, 8 inches) in New York.
However, his record didn't last long. Just a week later, William Newburn from Ireland broke it. Then, Alvin Kraenzlein broke it again in May 1899. But Myer wasn't done! On April 28, 1900, he set another new record in Philadelphia, jumping 7.50 meters (about 24 feet, 7 inches). This record was also broken a few months later by Peter O'Connor of Ireland.
Competing in the Olympics
Myer Prinstein competed in several Olympic Games, showing off his incredible talent.
1900 Paris Olympics
At the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, Myer won a silver medal in the long jump. He lost to Alvin Kraenzlein. There was a bit of drama because Myer was not allowed to compete in the final. His university officials said he couldn't jump on a Sunday. Even though Myer was Jewish and Kraenzlein was Christian, Kraenzlein still competed.
Myer and Kraenzlein had an agreement not to compete on Sunday. When Myer found out Kraenzlein had jumped, he was very upset. Some stories say he tried to punch Kraenzlein! The next day, Myer won the gold medal in the triple jump. He beat the 1896 champion, James Connolly, with a jump of 14.47 meters. This jump also set a new Olympic record!
1904 St. Louis Olympics
Myer continued his success at the 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis. He was part of the Irish American Athletic Club. On the same day, he won gold medals in both the long jump and the triple jump. He is the only athlete ever to win both of these events at the same Olympic Games! Myer also placed fifth in the 60-meter and 400-meter races.
1906 Athens Olympics
Myer competed again at the 1906 Summer Olympics in Athens. He once more won the long jump competition. This time, he beat the world record holder, Peter O'Connor. The only judge for the competition was Matthew Halpin, who was also the manager of the American team. O'Connor protested this, but his complaints were not accepted. Myer won with his very first jump.
Life After Sports
After 1906, Myer Prinstein did not compete in the Olympics anymore. He became a lawyer in Jamaica, Queens, a part of New York City. Later, he became a businessman. Myer passed away in 1925 at the age of 46. He died from a heart problem at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York.
In 1982, Myer Prinstein was honored for his achievements. He was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
See also
In Spanish: Myer Prinstein para niños
