Woodruff in Berlin
*On this date in 1936, “the most daring move seen in the track” took place at the Olympic games. John Woodruff won the 800-meter Gold Medal in Berlin.
On race day, Woodruff ran against Canada, Italy, England, and Australia. England got the lead initially, with Woodruff second over the first lap, followed closely by two other Brits. Woodruff took the lead only for an instant as England’s runner (who had run in two previous Olympics) moved around him as they went to the second lap backstretch. As a young beginner runner against the experienced veteran runners, Woodruff was boxed in.
But as the field neared the final turn, Woodruff made a move that caused the crowd to gasp, a reposition that the New York Herald-Tribune called “the most daring move seen on a track.” Woodruff stopped, let the other runners get around him, and then moved to the outside two lanes. This young Black man shifted into the third lane and was last in the pack. From the third lane, he got around everybody and took control of the race.
He charged to the finish line with his long, lengthening stride until he took the lead with one final burst of speed and held it to the tape in 1:52.9, beating out Italy and Canada. Afterward, Woodruff said, “I felt I had to do something drastic, for I couldn't break between the two leaders because I could have been disqualified on a foul.” It was the first time in 24 years the United States had an 800 Gold Medal.
Connellsville Area Historical Society
Connellsville, Fayette County,
Southwestern Pennsylvania
