Olympics 1904

Olympics 1904 - Saint Louis

When the Games crossed the Atlantic Ocean for the first time to be staged in Saint Louis in the American state of Missouri, it was the first step to becoming truly global. But the Games’ first appearance on a new continent saw the organizers repeat the mistakes of four years before in Paris and again spread them over more than four months, losing them in the hubbub of a much larger event: the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (Fair). The long costly journey prevented many European nations from participating. France had just one representative, the marathon runner Albert Coray, who lived in Chicago. Despite these problems, the Games spawned many popular and sporting success stories. Gold, silver and bronze medals were systematically awarded for the first time and boxing and wrestling made their debuts in the programme..

Between 29 August and 03 September, the track and field tournaments saw national and regional contests take place beside the official Olympic events. The organizers intended to demonstrate the superiority of American athletes even more categorically than in previous Games. The events began with the 60 meters sprint, a distance the United States had no rivals over. Tiny Archie Hahn came into the limelight by running the event in 7 seconds and equaling the world and Olympics records of his compatriot Alvin Kraenzlein. Hahn also went on to win the 200 and 100 meters sprints later, and became the first runner to win the prestigious ‘double’. These victories earned for him the sobriquet ‘Milwaukee Meteor’.

The 25 miles (40.2 km) marathon saw an astounding race produce two winners: a real one and an impostor. The marathon had taken place on a good surface, in the coolness of the morning over a flat course, but it was still an ordeal. In the stadium, the spectators oblivious of the difficulties faced by the runners were beginning to wonder why none had yet finished. Then with three hours and 13 minutes gone, the New Yorker Fred Lorz appeared. His victory was no surprise, as he was one of the best specialists in the event. He received a champion’s welcome, was photographed with US President’s daughter Alice Roosevelt and was about to receive his Gold medal when it was discovered that he had cheated. After nine miles he had collapsed with cramps and was offered a lift in one of the accompanying cars. As the car overtook the runners he applauded them and cheered them on, glad not to be suffering like them. Eleven miles on the car broke down and, as Lorz’s cramp had passed, he trotted towards the stadium to get changed. That, at least, was his version of events. When he entered the stadium, the crowd roared for America’s first Olympic marathon champion and officials prepared the laurel crown. Lorz smiled broadly, raised his arms in victory and crossed the finish line like a national hero. He had certainly enjoyed the moment, but it was just a piece of fun. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) officials had a less developed sense of humor: they immediately announced a lifetime ban on him.

The true champion of the Saint Louis marathon finished 15 minutes later, with a timing of 3:28:53. Thomas Hicks was an English born metal worker from Cambridge, Massachusetts and his victory was something of a miracle. Albert Coray of France finished second. The standing high jump, long jump and triple jump were dominated by Ray Ewry. He was not yet 25 years and won all three standing titles. His exceptional spring earned him the title of ‘the human frog’. He jumped 1.65 meters in the high jump, 3.30 meters in the long jump and 10.58 meters in the triple jump.

American George Eyser, a gymnast, got six medals and had one unusual feature: a wooden leg.

The Games in Brief 

Opening Date                01 July 1904

Closing Date                 23 November 1904

Participation                  12 Nations

Athletes                         617 Nos

Sports Disciples            16 (1 open to women)

Demonstration Sports    Basketball and Women’s Boxing

Olympic Flame              Not Lit

Olympic Oath                Not Taken

IOC President                Baron Pierre de Coubertin

PS – Matter researched from the Olympic museum in Lausanne

Brigadier (retd) S D Dangwal

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