Wilson Charles facts for kids
Wilson Charles in 1932
|
|
Quick facts for kids Personal information |
|
|---|---|
| Born | April 4, 1908 De Pere, Wisconsin, United States |
| Died | June 6, 2006 (aged 98) Phoenix, Arizona, United States |
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Weight | 78 kg (172 lb) |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Athletics |
| Event(s) | Long jump, decathlon, 100 m |
| Club | Haskell Indian Institute |
| Achievements and titles | |
| Personal best(s) | LJ – 7.24 m (1931) Decathlon – 6901 (1932) 100 m – 10.7 (1929) |
Wilson David "Buster" Charles, Jr. (born April 4, 1908 – died June 6, 2006) was a talented Native American athlete. He was known for his skills in track and field, especially the decathlon. He also played basketball and American football at a national level.
Wilson Charles competed in the 1932 Summer Olympics where he achieved a great result. After his sports career, he became an engineer. He was honored for his achievements by being inducted into the National Hall of Fame for Famous American Indians.
Contents
Who Was Wilson Charles?
Wilson Charles was born in De Pere, Wisconsin, in 1908. He grew up to be a strong and fast athlete. He was often called "Buster" by his friends and family.
He attended the Haskell Indian Institute, a famous school for Native American students. There, he developed his amazing athletic abilities. He became a star in many different sports.
Charles's Athletic Talents
Wilson Charles was a very versatile athlete. This means he was good at many different sports. He excelled in track and field, which includes running, jumping, and throwing events.
He was especially strong in the long jump, where athletes try to jump as far as possible. He also competed in the 100-meter dash, a very fast sprint race. His best time for the 100m was 10.7 seconds in 1929.
The Decathlon Challenge
One of Wilson Charles's most impressive achievements was in the decathlon. The decathlon is a tough track and field event. Athletes compete in ten different events over two days.
These events test speed, strength, and endurance. They include four running events, three jumping events, and three throwing events. It takes a truly all-around athlete to do well in the decathlon. Wilson Charles was one of those athletes.
The 1932 Olympic Games
Wilson Charles represented the United States at the 1932 Summer Olympics. These games were held in Los Angeles, California. Competing in the Olympics is a huge honor for any athlete.
He participated in the decathlon event. He showed incredible skill and determination. He finished in fourth place, which is an excellent achievement at the Olympic level.
Other Sports Achievements
Besides track and field, Wilson Charles was also a talented team player. He competed nationally in both basketball and American football. This shows how truly gifted he was in many different sports.
His ability to switch between individual track events and team sports like football and basketball was remarkable. He was a true all-around athlete of his time.
Life After Sports
After his impressive sports career, Wilson Charles moved to Phoenix, Arizona. He started a new career as an engineer. This shows he was not only strong physically but also very intelligent.
He lived a long life, passing away in 2006 at the age of 98. His legacy as a Native American athlete and engineer continues to inspire many.
Honoring a Legend
Wilson Charles's contributions to sports were recognized formally. He was inducted into the National Hall of Fame for Famous American Indians. This honor celebrates important Native American figures.
It highlights his impact not just in sports but also as a role model. His story shows what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
