Footnotes

Expanded Footnotes from Running in Borrowed Shoes

Notes to Opening Material

  1. “What is the Olympic Creed? International Olympic Committee accessed August 22, 2021, https://olympics.com/ioc/faq/olympic-symbol-and-identity/what-is-the-olympic-creed.
  2. Edgar Albert Guest, “Dreams of Youth,” Just Glad Things, (Detroit: self-pub., 1911), 136-137, https://archive.org/details/justgladthings00guesgoog/page/n139/mode/2up?q=youth.
  3. Needing her husband to sign paperwork for her law practice, attorney Louise Raggio helped draft the Texas Marital Property Act of 1967, which permitted married women to own property, obtain a loan, or engage in business without her husband’s consent. In her words, “It was idiots, convicts, minors, and married women who didn’t have property rights.” “Louise B. Raggio (1919-2011),” Texas Lawyers: Making the Case, State Bar of Texas, https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Making_the_Case&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=14882.
  4. AAU stands for Amateur Athletic Union. In its early years, the AAU represented American athletes internationally and prepared athletes for Olympic competition. Since 1978, the AAU focused on providing sports to all. “Track and Field,” AAU, accessed November 17, 2020, https://aautrackandfield.org/.
  5. The current title of the Texas Relays is “Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays,” Texas Sports, accessed November 17, 2020, https://texassports.com/sports/relays.
  6. For seven years, Thane Baker started National Federation Track and Field Meets held at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas. These meets were for elite runners not to be confused with the current National Federation of State High School Associations. Based on Thane Baker’s memory, the meets took place in early June in the 1970s.
  7. The Border Olympics Track and Field Meet began in 1932 in Laredo, Texas, on the border of Texas and Mexico. “Track & Field,” Border Olympics, Inc., accessed November 17, 2020, https://borderolympics.org/sports/track-field/.
  8. The NCAA Track and Field Championships for Men date back to 1921. “Men’s Outdoor Track & Field,” NCAA, accessed November 17, 2020, https://www.ncaa.com/history/trackfield-outdoor-men/d1. The NCAA sponsored the women’s collegiate track and field championships beginning in 1982.
  9. From 1952 until 1972, women’s participation in the Summer Olympics rose from ten to fifteen percent of the male contestants. By 2016, the percentage of women to men had jumped to forty-five percent. Vasileios Stavropoulos, “The Evolution of Women Participation in Sports Events,” Statathon, February 9, 2018, https://statathlon.com/the-evolution-of-women-participation-sports-events/.
  10. On the 1952 United States Olympic team, with 36 women and 287 men, women comprised 11% percent of the American team. The author obtained these numbers from Asa S. Bushnell, ed., United States 1952 Olympic Book, Quadrennial Report United States Olympic Committee: Games of the XVth Olympiad Helsinki, Finland July 19 to August 3, 1952, VI Olympic Winter Games Oslo, Norway February 14 to 25, 1952, 1st Pan American Games Buenos Aires, Argentina February 25 to March 8, 1951, (New York: United States Olympic Association, 1953), 63-66. Title IX refers to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq. (2020). History.com, ed., “Title IX Enacted,” History, accessed July 23, 2020, https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/title-ix-enacted. As Title IX only applies to educational institutions who received federal funding, other organizations need not provide equal athletic funding for women.
  11. During World War II, Finland found itself trapped between two genocidal totalitarian regimes. In 1939, the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact secretly gave the Soviet Union influence over Finland, the Baltic States, and sections of Eastern Europe. Ostensibly for its own protection, the Soviet Union requested Finland turn over some of their land for other Soviet land. After Finland refused, the Soviet Union invaded Finland on November 30, 1939. While the army of the Soviet Union outnumbered Finland’s, and Finland had a 1,300-kilometer border to protect, the light and mobile Finnish army on snow skis did well in the bitter cold (minus 45° Fahrenheit) and difficult terrain against the invading forces of tanks and men despite the Soviet control of the skies. Used against the Soviets, the Finns perfected the Molotovin koktaili or Molotov cocktail, named after Soviet Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov. By early February, repeated attacks by Soviet artillery, tanks, and infantry broke through Finnish defenses. In March, Finland signed the Peace of Moscow, which gave the Soviet Union a great deal of Finnish territory. As the Soviet Union continued to require more concessions, Finland turned to the only other potent power in the region, Nazi Germany. Beginning in August 1940, a series of agreements with Germany aided Finland. When German armies attacked the Soviet Union in June 1941, the Soviet Union retaliated with air strikes against Finland. This began the Continuation War in which Finland regained the lost territories and pushed into the Soviet Union near Leningrad. In their alliance with the Nazis, Finland protected her Jewish citizens and allowed Jewish refugees to enter her borders. In June 1944, the Soviets fought back against Finland and retook everything granted to them in the Treaty of Moscow. War refugees fled from the Soviet forces. Fearing complete Soviet domination of their country, Finland sued for peace with the Soviet Union while the Soviets still fought the Nazis. After demanding more land, seaports, and strenuous war reparations, the Soviet Union agreed to peace if Finland would expel all Nazi soldiers from Finland. This led to the Lapland War in northern Finland, creating more refugees. Finland survived World War II with its independence intact, unlike other countries near the Soviet Union. C. Peter Chen, “Finland,” World War II Database, accessed April 4, 2021, last modified August 2008, https://ww2db.com/country/finland. Wiktionary, s.v. “Molotovin koktaili,”last modified January 31, 2020, at 15:26, https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Molotovin_koktaili. Rare Historical Photos, “The Amazing Story of Finland in World War II, 1939-1945,” accessed April 4, 2021, August 16, 2017, https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/finland-world-war-ii/. These photographs and the accompanying narrative offer a stark view of the suffering endured by both the Finnish and Soviet armies, along with that of the Finnish population.
  12. During and after World War II, children sent to Sweden and other places from Finland for their protection bore hidden war wounds that carried forward to the next generation. Women, whose mothers they had evacuated from Finland as children to Sweden, had a higher risk of psychiatric hospitalization than sons of the same women or children of male children evacuated. Torsten Santavirta, Nina Santavirta, and Stephen E. Gilman, “Association of the World War II Finnish Evacuation of Children with Psychiatric Hospitalization in the Next Generation,” JAMA Psychiatry, 2018 Jan 1, 75(1):21-27, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2664260.
  13. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 27-57, (see Notes for Opening Material, n. 10).
  14. “Amateurism, in that regard, was always full of class exclusion by the aristocracy wanting to demarcate their world of gentlemanly sport from the great unwashed masses. That was what ruling-class white men of the late nineteenth century believed in the United States and Britain.” “David Goldblatt on the Impact of Olympics on the World Stage,” Next Big Idea Club, accessed December 11, 2020, https://nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/conversation-beyond-the-gold-a-conversation-with-david-goldblatt-on-the-effect-of-the-olympics-on-the-world-stage/10633/.
  15. In 1950 America, fifty-nine percent of the population graduated from high school. Less than thirty percent of the people aged eighteen to twenty-one attended college. Steven Mintz, “Statistics: Education in America, 1860-1950,” (New York: Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, n.d.), https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/teaching-resource/statistics-education-america-1860-1950. By extrapolation, the author posits the athletic pool from which the 1952 United States Olympic Committee drew would consist only of those college students and recent college graduates who had participated in sports. However, Roland Blackmon, a 400-meter hurdler and member of the 1952 Olympic team, never competed before he joined the army. Paul Zimmerman, “Makes Plans after Olympics: American Javelin Thrower Held Looks Ahead to Missionary Work; Soft Track,” Los Angeles Times, July 19, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. Also, J. W. Mashburn and Milt Campbell were both recent high school graduates and 1952 Olympians. J. W. Mashburn, in discussion with the author, April 2020. “Milton Gray Campbell: Biography,” International Olympic Committee, accessed August 22, 2021, https://olympics.com/en/athletes/milton-gray-campbell.
  16. Two hundred eighty-seven male United States Olympians competed in Helsinki. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 63-66 (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10).
  17. Eighty members of the United States Olympic team belonged to the Armed Forces. Charlie Dean Archives, 1952 Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland, YouTube video, 25:45, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUWULnmP04Q&t=394s. The author computed to determine the percentage of members of the American Olympic team, who also served in their military.
  18. Tyler Benson, “The Role of Sports in the Soviet Union,” Guided History, History Research Guides by Boston University Students directed by Simon Rabinovitch, accessed April 10, 2021, http://blogs.bu.edu/guidedhistory/russia-and-its-empires/tyler-benson/.
  19. “Separate Is Not Equal: Brown v. Board of Education: White Only: Jim Crow in America,” Smithsonian National Museum of American History Behring Center, accessed April 4, 2021, https://americanhistory.si.edu/brown/history/1-segregated/white-only-1.html. Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, 347 U.S. 483 (1954).
  20. Some communities prohibited people of color, and those of Chinese or Jewish ancestry, from residing inside their towns. Because of signs posted outside such places, these locations earned the title of “sundown towns.” If a person was not white, the city prohibited them from being within the city limits after sundown. Loewen, James W. Sundown Towns: A Hidden Dimension of American Racism, rev. ed. New York: The New Press, 2018. History & Social Justice. “Information about Sundown Towns. Accessed August 21, 2021. https://justice.tougaloo.edu/sundown-towns/information/. See also “Sundown Towns: Racial Segregation Past and Present,” America’s Black Holocaust Museum, Bringing Our History to Light, accessed July 24, 2020, https://abhmuseum.org/category/about-abhm/.
  21. Plessy v. Ferguson, 163 U. S. 537 (1996). History.com, ed., “Plessy v. Ferguson,” accessed April 10, 2021, last modified January 20, 2021, https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/plessy-v-ferguson.
  22. Erin Elizabeth Redihan, Olympics and the Cold War, 1948-1968: Sport as Battleground in the U.S. – Soviet Rivalry, (Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2017). Tobey C. Rider, Cold War Games: Propaganda, The Olympics, and U.S. Foreign Policy, Sport and Society Series, (Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 2016), Kindle.
  23. Avery Brundage affected the Olympic Games tremendously but possessed flaws. Frank Litsky, “Avery Brundage of Olympics Dies, Head of Games for 20 Years – Tenure Controversial,” New York Times, May 9, 1975, https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/. Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff, “Racist IOC President Avery Brundage Loses His Place of Honor: The decision to remove his bust from the San Francisco Asian Art Museum was long overdue,” Nation. June 25, 2020. https://www.thenation.com/article/society/avery-brundage/.

Notes to Chapter 1 Childhood

  1. Thane Baker grew up less than forty-five miles from Boise City and Guymon, Oklahoma, two towns mentioned in Timothy Egan’s book, The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl, (Boston: Mariner Books, 2006). This book provides insight into the people who suffered in this time and place.
  2. Elkhart, Kansas, the largest town in Morton County, lost over 37 percent of its population from 1930 to 1940. Morton County itself lost 46 percent of its population during the same time. Research, began in 1939 and originally published in March 1942, attributed this to “dust storms and drought.” This same source shows that by 1939, the time chapters 1-3 in this book take place, the “cumulative departure from normal precipitation” was over sixty inches of rainfall below normal. The last reported year for above normal rainfall was 1927. Thad G. McLaughlin, Geology and Ground-Water Resources of Morton County, Kansas, Bulletin 40,State Geological Survey of Kansas, (Lawrence, KS: University of Kansas Publications, 1942), http://www.kgs.ku.edu/General/Geology/Morton/04_geog.html. Thane recalls that when people would leave town, they would often stop at the Ford garage where Thane’s father, Walter F. Baker, worked. They would often say something like, “Bake, we’re leaving. We’ve packed up all we can. Go look out at the farm and take anything you want.” One family left a pump organ, which Thane’s mother wanted, but could not fit in their house. Another family gave Thane’s parents a set of dishes to hold for them. They said they would be back to collect them. Eight decades later, Thane Baker still has the dishes waiting for their owners to reclaim them.
  3. “Rare Dust Storm Wednesday Night,” Glimpse Back into History, Elkhart Tri-State News (KS), published April 14, 1933, and reprinted July 19, 2018.
  4. Runkel’s Cocoa Cookery, (New York: Runkel Brothers, 1930).
  5. Kate Smith, Kate Smith’s Favorite Recipes, (Battle Creek, MI: General Foods, 1939).
  6. Associated Press, “Cooler Weather Seen by Monday,” Emporia (KS) Gazette, September 2, 1939, Evening Edition, https://www.newspapers.com.
  7. Debra Ronca, “Why Are Wishbones Supposed to Be Lucky?” HowStuffWorks, August 18, 2015, https://people.howstuffworks.com/wishbones-lucky.htm.
  8. This chapter combines events of Thane Baker’s young life.

Notes to Chapter 2 Glenn Cunningham Day

  1. Glenn Cunningham took fourth in the 1932 Olympics with infected tonsils. For all his competitive career, pain in his legs, covered with scar tissue, plagued him. Despite his suffering, he earned the Sullivan Award for the best amateur athlete in 1933. “AAU Sullivan Award–Past Winners,” AAU USA James E. Sullivan Award, accessed March 18, 2020, https://image.aausports.org/images/Sullivan/AAUSullivanAwardRecipients.pdf.In 1934, he set the world record in the 1,500 meters. “Glenn Cunningham Sets New 1,500-Meter World Record,” first published in the Morton County Farmer on March 2, 1934, and reprinted in the Elkhart Tri-State News, July 5, 2018. He also set the world record in the mile in a time of 4:06.8. “World Record Progression of One Mile: Male–Senior–Outdoor,” World Athletics, accessed June 1, 2021, https://www.worldathletics.org/records/by-progression/1452?type=1. In 1940, after his running career ended, a dentist discovered that all Glenn’s front teeth were dead and abscessed. The dentist said, “With all that poison pouring into your system through the years, it’s a wonder you could walk, much less run.” Glenn Cunningham and George X. Sand, Never Quit, (Lincoln, VA: Chosen Books, 1981), 24-65, 116-127. “Xth Olympiad Los Angeles 1932,” International Olympic Committee,accessed August 22, 2021, https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/los-angeles-1932. “The XIth Olympic Games Berlin 1936,” International Olympic Committee, accessed August 22, 2021, https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/berlin-1936.
  2. Superman first appeared in comic books in 1938. E. Nelson Bridwell, ed., Superman: From the Thirties to the Seventies, (New York: Bonanza, 1971).
  3. Associated Press, “World on Brink of Holocaust: Hitler Told to Halt Campaign against Poland or England and France Will Take Action; Thinks U.S. Can Escape Holocaust; President Hopeful Country Can Be Kept at Peace,” Hutchinson (KS) News, September 1, 1939, https://www.newspapers.com.
  4. “Hot Time in Kansas Too: Sun, Not War, Causes Discomfort in Middle West,” Hutchison (KS) News, September 3, 1939, Sunday Morning Edition, https://www.newspapers.com.
  5. “Big Crowd Here Last Saturday: Cunningham’s Talk and Exhibition Is Feature of Day; Big Crowd Sees Events,” Elkhart (KS) Tri-State News, September 8, 1939.

Notes to Chapter 3 Discovering the Olympic Dream

  1. A sulky is the vehicle used in harness racing. Thane Baker’s mother, Susie, competed in harness racing. Encyclopedia Britannica, s.v. “Harness Racing,” December 15, 2017, https://www.britannica.com/sports/harness-racing. The reader may find here a recent video of harness racing. “Race of the Decade, #1–2008 Meadowlands Pace,” Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment, YouTube video, 5:49, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKvraB32_s0.
  2. The rains arrived in the fall of 1939, ending the Dust Bowl, soon after this dinner conversation. “Surviving the Dust Bowl–Timeline: The Dust Bowl,” American Experience, Public Broadcasting Network, accessed April 3, 2020, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/dust-bowl-surviving-dust-bowl/. This website has additional articles and videos about the economic, environmental, and exodus-inducing calamities of the Dust Bowl.

Notes to Chapter 4 Waking from Knee Surgery

  1. The Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes, religious sisters from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, founded and served at St. Anthony Hospital in Hays, Kansas, where Thane went for his second surgery in the fall of 1945. Teachers and administrators wore black habits, but sisters in the hospital wore white. Jennifer Lukomski (archivist, Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes) in discussion with the author, March 2020, https://www.csasisters.org/.
  2. Thane Baker relates being horribly nauseous as he woke from his first surgery. In his words, “You don’t know misery until you have awakened from ether anesthesia.” As this article relates, the amount of ether necessary for sedation was remarkably close to a fatal dose, which led to accidental deaths. Josh Blicker, “Ether in Surgery,” Historical Medical Library of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, December 18, 2020, http://histmed.collegeofphysicians.org/ether-in-surgery/.
  3. Hays, Kansas, on Map 1.1. in this book is west of Salina, Kansas, on Highway 70.

Notes to Chapter 5 Child Labor

  1. Thane Baker saved his coveralls from his days of working at the Ford garage. A catalog company made the heavy ticking fabric with its thin vertical navy and cream stripes into a long-sleeved, one-piece garment with a collar. “MUNCY & SONS” was on the back top embroidered in a curve in red capital letters. Under those words, a large, embroidered bald eagle, a foot tall, stood on top of the planet Earth. On the Earth in red capital letters shadowed in white was the word “CASE.” Under that and just above the belt sewn into the coveralls were the horizontal red capital letters spelling “MOTOR CO.”
  2. Gerald Mayer provides additional information about child labor in the 1930s. “Child Labor in America: History, Policy, and Legislative Issues,” Congressional Research Service, November 18, 2013, https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL31501.pdf.
  3. “History,” Oil-Dri Corporation of America, accessed March 10, 2020, https://www.oildri.com/about/history/.
  4. A reproduction poster for Beef Iron and Wine states, “This pleasant tonic is prepared from Liebig’s Antwerp Extract of Beef, Citrate of Iron and Pure Sherry Wine…. Each dose contains the strength of one ounce of Beer, two grains Citrate of Iron, and one tablespoonful of Pure Sherry Wine. Adult Dose- One tablespoon between meals and when suffering from fatigue or exhaustion.” An Extract of Beef Citrate of Iron and Sherry Wine Combined in this Cure for Loss of Appetite and General Prostration Poster, (18 x 24), Posterazzi, Amazon.com, https://www.amazon.com/Buyenlarge-0-587-26788-7-G1827-Beef-Giclee-Print/dp/B010XUJIAO/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=beef%2C+iron+%26+wine+tonic+poster&qid=1629412782&sr=8-8.
  5. Kansas served 3.2 beer until 2019. The idea of 3.2 beer derived from the 1933 Beer and Wine Revenue Act compromise between Prohibition promotors and alcohol acolytes. Frank Morris, “The End is Near for 3.2 Beer,” Morning Edition, National Public Radio, April 5, 2019, https://www.npr.org/2019/04/05/709515770/the-end-is-near-for-3-2-beer.

Notes to Chapter 6 Work-Related Injury

  1. What Thane Baker referred to as bodark wood, also known as hedge apple wood, got its name from the French term bois d’arc. The Native Americans used this “exceedingly hard” wood for bows and clubs. Its formal name is osage-orange or maclura pomifera. From Texas, this tree enjoyed a wide distribution for hedgerows and livestock pens before barbed wire usage spread. “Osage-Orange,” Trees of Texas, Texas A&M Forest Service, accessed November 13, 2020, http://texastreeid.tamu.edu/content/TreeDetails/?id=61.
  2. During World War II, each soldier carried five grams of powdered sulfa to pour into open wounds prior to applying a dressing. However, by July 1944, the US Army Surgeon General recommended this procedure cease. Powdered sulfa combined with sulfa pills resulted in an excessive dose, plus it made the wounds dirtier and failed to reach deep enough into the wound. Alain S. Batens and Ben C. Major, “Class 9 Items: Drugs, Chemicals and Biological Stains Sulfa Drugs: Miscellaneous Medical Equipment,” WW2 US Medical Research Centre, accessed November 16, 2020, https://www.med-dept.com/medical-kits-contents/class-9-items-drugs-chemicals-and-biological-stains-sulfa-drugs/. Thane Baker’s doctor applied sulfa powder to the hole in Thane’s knee in 1945.
  3. “Fluoroscopy is a type of medical imaging that shows a continuous X-ray image on a monitor, like an X-ray movie. During a fluoroscopy procedure, an X-ray beam passed through the body.” “Fluoroscopy,” United States Food and Drug Administration, accessed November 13, 2020, https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/medical-x-ray-imaging/fluoroscopy. In the early 1950s, approximately ten thousand shoe-fitting fluoroscopes existed in stores across the country. The machines marketed shoes, but injured customers and shoe salespeople with dangerous radiation levels. Allison Marsh, “When X-Rays Were All the Rage, a Trip to the Shoe Store Was Dangerously Illuminating: The shoe-fitting fluoroscope was unnecessary and hazardous, but kids loved it.” IEEE Spectrum, October 30, 2020, https://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-history/heroic-failures/when-xrays-were-all-the-rage-a-trip-to-the-shoe-store-was-dangerously-illuminating.
  4. Thane’s father modified a 1936 Ford police car for their family. “During WWII: Automobile Growth Halted,” Rise of Automobiles After World War II, accessed November 21, 2020, http://theriseofautomobilesafterwwii.weebly.com/wars-of-the-time-period.html.

Notes to Chapter 7 Forbidden to Run

  1. “Weather Forecast,” Manhattan (KS) Mercury-Chronicle, October 16, 1945, https://www.newspapers.com.
  2. In 1945, Walter Franklin Baker, Thane’s father, served on the Elkhart City Council.

Notes to Chapter 8 Track Team Meeting

  1. Associated Press, “Winter Storms Sweep Out of Rocky Mountains: Warnings Are Issued Throughout Kansas with Freezing Rain and Slick Highways,” Manhattan (KS) Mercury-Chronicle, December 20, 1949, https://www.newspapers.com. On Map 1.1., Manhattan, Kansas, is west of Topeka, Kansas, and north of Highway 70.
  2. “To Show Track Movie,” Kansas State Collegian, December 19, 1949, https://archive.org/details/KSULKSColl194950V56N5380/page/n95. “Nichols Hall Story,” #WildcatWay, Kansas State University, accessed November 17, 2020, https://www.k-state.edu/wildcatway/nichols.html. On June 9, 2021, the author interviewed Ryun Godfrey, Assistant Coach and Head Cross Country Coach at Kansas State University to learn how coaching has changed since Ward Haylett coached at K-State. One difference between 1952 and 2021 is that now, sprinters train all year with only two weeks off between the end of outdoor season and the beginning of the work for the next year. Notice that Ward Haylett called this meeting in late December to recruit track athletes to run the following spring. Additionally, equipment, track surfaces, and knowledge of the human body have vastly improved. Ryun Godfrey (Assistant Coach and Head Cross Country Coach, Kansas State University) in discussion with author, June 2021.
  3. Richard “Dick” Towers ran under Coach Ward Haylett on the Kansas State track team with Thane Baker for all four years of college. He also played football for K-State and coached football at the high school, junior college, and collegiate level, both as an assistant and as a head coach. Towers became the Athletic Director at his Kansas State and still lives near his alma mater. He helped the author with details Thane had forgotten. Richard Towers, in discussion with the author, September 2019, March 2020, May 2021.
  4. Ward Hillman Haylett grew up in Clay Center, Nebraska, where he graduated high school in 1913. “Commencement Days: Clay Center, Neb.,” Omaha Daily Bee, May 26, 1913. “City School Notes,” Clay County Republican (Clay Center, NE), October 13, 1913, https://www.newspapers.com. He taught school to fourteen students for two years, then entered Nebraska’s Doane College in the fall of 1915. “Clay County School Notes: More (illegible) Teachers are Hired for the Next Term, (illegible) New Teachers This Year” Edgar Sun (Edgar, NE), May 1, 1914, https://www.newspapers.com. “Local News Notes,” Clay County Republican (Clay Center, NE), September 10, 1915. In July 1917, Haylett entered the officer’s training camp for aviation school. “Nebraska Schools and Colleges: Doane College,” Nebraska State Journal (Lincoln, NE), July 30, 1917, https://www.newspapers.com.Because he could not hear certain pitches, he could not become a pilot. “Local Happenings,” Clay County Patriot (Clay Center, NE), October 18, 1917, https://www.newspapers.com.The military drafted him to Camp Funston. He soon advanced to 2nd Lieutenant and received an honorable discharged at the end of the war. “Happenings about the Town,” Clay County Patriot (Clay Center, NE), December 27, 1917, https://www.newspapers.com. “Nebraskans at Camp Pike,” Lincoln (NE) Journal Star, September 24, 1918, https://www.newspapers.com. “52 Officers, 800 Men Discharged: Total of 283 Officers and about 8,500 Men Have Been Released,” Daily (Little Rock) Arkansas Gazette, December 15, 1918. https://www.newspapers.com. After a short stint as athletic director at Doane College, Haylett returned to Clay Center to function as principal and athletic director. “Local News,” Clay County Sun (Clay Center, NE), August 28, 1919, https://www.newspapers.com. “New Schools Year Begins: Strong Teaching Corps Promise Satisfactory Year’s Work; Faculty Personnel and Work Assigned Them,” Clay County Sun (Clay Center, NE), September 4, 1919, https://www.newspapers.com. Ward Haylett married Alice Johnson of Norfolk, and they had two children. Homer Socolofsky, “Ward Haylett Chronology,” October 28, 1993, Vertical Files Collection, Athletic Teams, Track and Cross Country-Haylett, Ward, Morse Department of Special Collections, Kansas State University Libraries. Ward became superintendent of his local school and continued his college education during the summers. In June 1924, Doane College again hired Ward Haylett as Athletic Director. “Doane to Have New Athletic Director: College Announces Appointment of Ward H. Haylett; Is Former Doane Student Backed by Good Record; Coach Haylett Is Already Established Here and Has Begun Work by Interesting Prospective Students to Doane,” Crete (NE) Vidette, June 19, 1924, https://www.newspapers.com. Haylett earned his bachelor’s degree from Doane College in 1926, eleven years after his first enrollment and his master’s degree from the University of Nebraska in 1928. Homer Socolofsky, “Ward Haylett (1895-1990), a Biographical Sketch, November 1993, Vertical Files Collection, Athletic Teams, Track and Cross Country-Haylett, Ward,” Morse Department of Special Collections, Kansas State University Libraries. In 1928, Kansas State offered Ward Haylett the position of their first track and cross-country coach. In addition, they requested that he be an assistant football coach and teach track classes. “Kansas Aggies Offer Haylett Job at Track,” Des Moines (IA) Register, June 26, 1928, https://www.newspapers.com. Ward Haylett enjoyed building model airplanes, boats, and trains. “Good Time at Pet-Hobby Show: Over 500 Entries Are Made in the Kiwanis Exposition – Hundreds See Parade,” Manhattan (KS) Republic, October 22, 1936, https://www.newspapers.com. Haylett knew coaches and athletes from all over the country due to his traveling while coaching. He preferred to drive his athletes to competitions and stopped often at sights along the way to broaden their horizons. Haylett served as head of the AAU Track and Field Committee in 1945-46 and led American AAU teams to Japan, Europe, and New Zealand. A member of the Congregational Church, Haylett descended from one of the twenty-five surety Barons of the Magna Carta, a Knight of the Garter, a Huguenot, and a fighter in the American Revolutionary War. Socolofsky, Haylett Biographical Sketch. Despite his impressive antecedents and personal qualifications, Haylett always maintained a very low-key manner.
  5. Freddy Mendell, “K-State’s Ward Haylett Is Grand Man of Track, Field,” Hutchison (KS) News, April 19, 1957.
  6. Socolofsky, “Ward Haylett Chronology,” (see chap. 8, n. 4).
  7. “Will See Olympics,” Manhattan (KS) Mercury, June 30, 1932.
  8. The 1948 Olympic Track and Field Committee met January 11-12, 1948, in New York City and selected Ward Haylett as decathlon coach for the 1948 Olympics. Photographs of Haylett are in the official report. K. L. Wilson, “Men’s Track and Field: Report of the Committee Chairman,” in Report of the United States Olympic Committee 1948 Games: XIV Olympiad, London, England, V Olympic Games, St. Moritz, Switzerland, ed. Asa Bushnell (New York: United States Olympic Association, 1949), 74-75. Chicago hosted the selection of the 1948 Olympic Track and Field Team. From there, the team traveled by train to New York. Then, they sailed on the S.S. America to Southampton, England. Alfred R. Masters, “Men’s Track and Field: Report of Team Manager,” Report of the United States Olympic Committee 1948 Games, 76. Haylett posed with his decathletes for a picture. Athletes from the United States placed first and third in the decathlon. Asa Bushnell, ed., Report of the United States Olympic Committee 1948 Games: XIV Olympiad, London, England, V Olympic Games, St. Moritz, Switzerland, (New York: United States Olympic Association, 1949), 98-100.
  9. Mark Janssen, “Haylett: A Legendary Figure in KSU Track; Inductee Initiated Pattern of Success in the Sport,” Manhattan (KS) Mercury, October 7, 1990, www.newspapers.com. While Haylett frequently referred to himself as a “one-man operation,” today, multiple coaches work with the Kansas State track team. With some overlapping responsibilities, coaches specialize in sprints, middle and long distance, vertical and horizontal jumps, pole vault, relays, and strength. Unlike in Haylett’s day when first-year athletes held the stopwatches and measuring tapes for the upper-class students, now, student managers handle the assessment of athletes during their workouts. Additionally, coaches prefer to collaborate with fewer athletes at a time, so not all athletes are on the track at the same time. Godfrey, interview, (see chap. 8, n. 2). “Elmer Hackney” K-State Athletics Hall of Fame, K-State: Official Site of K-State Athletics, accessed February 8, 2021, https://www.kstatesports.com/honors/k-state-athletics-hall-of-fame/elmer-hackney/18.
  10. In the 1950s, a brand of flat running shoes went by the name of “U.S. Keds” as well as “Keds,” which is the term used today. United States Olympic Committee, 1952 U.S. Olympic Souvenir Book: Track and Field Tryouts for Men. (program, Los Angeles: United States Olympic Committee, June 27-28, 1952), 64.

Notes to Chapter 9 Discussion with the Coach

  1. Ward Haylett’s handshake was forceful and unique. Honorable Jerry Mershon, retired, in discussion with author, May 2021. Judge Mershon, a Kansas State track teammate of Thane Baker, reports that Ward Haylett was quiet, effective, respected, and a fine gentleman. Haylett never raised his voice. He rarely praised anyone, but if he did, he meant it.
  2. “City School Notes,” Clay County Patriot (Clay Center, NE), March 18, 1910.
  3. “Baker Races to Records: Breaks Three Records at Cimarron Relays,” Elkhart (KS) Tri-State News, April 29, 1949. “They Can’t Stop Baker: Win Three Firsts at Ulysses,” Elkhart (KS) Tri-State News, April 15, 1949.
  4. Dale Mullen, “Elkhart Youngster Follows Hero’s Running Footsteps,” Kansans in the Olympics, Wichita Beacon, October 10, 1968.
  5. “Swing Dance: Jitterbug,” Bella Ballroom, accessed July 16, 2021. https://www.bellaballroom.com/dance-lessons/swing-dance/jitterbug/.
  6. Muncy & Sons, (see chap. 5, n. 1).
  7. “J. I. Case Tractors,” Farming in the 1950s & 60s, Wessels Living History Farm, https://livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe50s/machines_07.html.

Notes to Chapter 10 Flight to New York

  1. United States Olympic Committee, Instructions to Athletes: U. S. Olympic Track and Field Try-Outs, (handout, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, June 27 – 28 1952). “The Men Who Will Compete for the Stars and Stripes in the Olympic Games,” Wirephoto, Kansas City Times, July 1, 1952.
  2. Please note that English speakers use the word “Olympiad” or “Olympics.” However, in the Finnish language and concerning the town in Greece, the word is “Olympia.” Thus, citations and information will follow the language of origin.
  3. In May 1952, knowing the United States Olympic Committee lacked $500,000 to send the Olympic team to Finland, Bob Hope and his publicist promoted the idea of a fundraiser on television. Held the next month, the fourteen-and-a-half-hour Olympic telethon raised pledges of over $1,000,000 during Bing Crosby’s television debut. David Lobosco, “Bing and the 1952 Olympic Telethon,” Bing Crosby News Archive (blog), August 3, 2012, https://bingfan03.blogspot.com/2012/08/bing-and-1952-olympic-telethon.html. Performers and volunteers worked to raise funds and national awareness about the United States Olympic team. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 46-51 (See Notes to Opening Material, n. 10).
  4. The Lockheed Constellation airplane with four propeller engines had three vertical tails as opposed to current jets with only one. Joanna Bailey, “The Lockheed Constellation – The Plane That Changed the World,” Simple Flying, July 18, 2019, https://simpleflying.com/lockheed-constellation/. Stephan Wilkinson, “Call Her Connie: The Legendary Lockheed Constellation,” originally published in Aviation History, July 2009, https://www.historynet.com/the-legendary-lockheed-constellation.htm.
  5. Finis “Dean” Smith, a football player and sprinter, attended the University of Texas where he and his teammates set a world record in the 4×100 meter relay. The author interviewed him for this book on September 5, 2019, by telephone. His book provides more information about Dean Smith. Cowboy Stuntman: From Olympic Gold to the Silver Screen, with Mike Cox and foreword by James Garner, (Lubbock: Texas Tech University Press, 2013).Dean Smith and Thane Baker still tease one another on the telephone as only good friends do. As he ended a September 2019 conversation, Dean told Thane, “I love you with all my heart.” The New York Times claimed that James Gathers had beaten Dean Smith for the third spot on the Olympic team. Both Dean Smith and James Gathers earned a ticket for Helsinki to participate in the 4×100-meter relay. Somehow, Smith ended up running the 100 meters instead of Gathers. Associated Press, “Stone and Moore Set U.S. Records in Final Tryouts for Olympic Track Team: Ex-Penn State Ace Outraces Santee; Stone Wins 5,000 Meters in 14:27 and Moore Hurdles 400 Meters in 0:50.7; Whitfield Ties 800 Mark; Engel of N.Y.U Is First in Olympic Hammer Toss Trial-Bragg Takes Sprint,” New York Times, June 28, 1952, https://nyti.ms/3bjm3jp.
  6. In 2021, the “U. S. Olympic Team Trials-Track & Field” qualifies American athletes for the Olympics in their sport. USATF, “U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Track & Field,” accessed May 1, 2021, https://www.usatf.org/events/2021/2020-u-s-olympic-team-trials-track-field. In 1952, the event which qualified United States Track and Field athletes for the Olympics carried the name “Tryout.” Bushnell, Olympic Book, 74, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). However, official communication from the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) to athletes added a hyphen, “Try-Out.” USOC, Instructions to Athletes, (see chap. 10, n. 1). The 1952 U.S. Olympic Souvenir Book referred to them as “Track and Field Tryouts for Men,” (see chap. 8, n. 10).
  7. In 1952, the term “athlete” or “athletics” referred only to track and field competitors or competitions. Now, athlete more broadly refers to anyone involved in any sport, while athletics refers to any sport. The International Olympic Committee refers to all competitors as “athletes,” but still refers to the sport of track and field as “athletics.” “Athletes,” International Olympic Committee, accessed May 1, 2021, https://olympics.com/en/athletes/. “Sports,” International Olympic Committee, accessed May 1, 2021, https://olympics.com/en/sports/.
  8. Robert J. Kane, Men’s Track and Field Manager, reported that June 28, 1952, the final day of the Olympic Tryouts, was the coldest on record. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 74, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). As of this writing, June 28, 1952, still holds the lowest maximum temperature for that location. “Daily High/Low Temperature Records by Month & Day Downtown Los Angeles: Records for Period 1877-2019,” Given Place Media, publishing as Los Angeles Almanac, 1998-2019, accessed March 10, 2020, http://www.laalmanac.com/weather/we04.php#jun.
  9. Thane Baker to Mr. and Mrs. Walter F. Baker, July 15, 1952, private collection.
  10. USOC, Instructions to Athletes (see chap. 10, n. 1).
  11. Ted Smits, “Can U.S. Produce Another Great Sprinter for ’52 Olympic Games,” Associated Press, Lancaster (PA) New Era,June 12, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  12. NCAA, 31st Annual National Collegiate Athletic Association Track and Field Championships, (program, Berkeley, CA: Lederer, Street & Zeus, June 13-14, 1952).
  13. Smith, Cowboy Stuntman, 53, (see chap. 10, n. 5).
  14. Beginning in 1949 through 1955, coaches Jess Hill followed by Jess Mortensen led Southern California to seven consecutive victories in the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s track and field national championships. In 1952, Southern Cal. scored 66 7/12 points to win over San Jose State at 24 1/3. Kansas State tied for twenty-eighth place with six points, but Texas tied for fortieth place with 4 points. NCAA Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field Division I Men’s(pdf), “History: Team Results,” 2012, accessed February 21, 2020, http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/track_outdoor_champs_records/2012-13/2012_d1_motf.pdf, 3, 19. Paul Zimmerman, “SC Runs Off with NCAA Crown: McMillen, Barnes Smash Records; San Jose Surprise Second,” Los Angeles Times, June 15, 1952, Sunday Morning Edition. https://www.newspapers.com.
  15. Amateur Athletic Union of the United States, 64th Annual United States Track and Field Championships, (program, Long Beach, California: Press – Telegram, June 20 – 21, 1952).
  16. Dean Smith won the 100-meter sprint in the Amateur Athletic Union’s national championships a week before the selection of the Olympic team. Associated Press, “Smith Boosts US Olympic Sprint Hopes,” Austin (TX) American, June 24, 1952, and Bob Myers, “Whitfield Heads List of AAU Champs,” Associated Press, Valley Times (San Fernando Valley, California), June 21, 1952, both located at https://www.newspapers.com.
  17. 64th Annual United States Track and Field Championships, 7, (see chap. 10, n. 15).
  18. H. D. Thoreau ed., 1953 Official NCAA Track and Field Guide: Official Rules Book and Record Book of College Track and Field, (New York: National Collegiate Athletic Bureau, 1953), 53. See also, Harold V. Ratliff, “Relays Boosted Olympic Hopes,” Austin American, April 7, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  19. 1952 U.S. Olympic Souvenir Book, “Tryouts,” 25, 38, (see chap.8, n. 10). When more runners wish to compete in a race than lanes on the track exist, officials divide the competitors into a series of races known as “heats.” A certain predetermined number of athletes from each heat advance to the next round. The rest face elimination. For example, the officials may decide that two runners from each heat continue. If more runners remain after the first set of heats than available lanes, the officials execute another set of heats to determine who qualifies for the finals. “Heats,” SportsDefinitions.com: All You Need to Know about Every Sport on the Planet, www.sportsdefinitions.com/track-events-general-terms/heats.html.
  20. H. D. Thoreau, ed., 1953 Official NCAA Track and Field Guide, 16, (see chap. 10, n. 18). Track and Field News explains that both Dean Smith and Jim Gathers finished in a time of 10.6. Gathers closed from 7th at 80 yards and caught Smith at the line, but the Bulova timer could not break the tie. Officials selected both Gathers and Smith for the Olympics. When Gathers qualified in the 200 meters, they decided that only Smith would compete in the 100 meters. “Men – Los Angeles – June 27-28: 100 Meters – June 27, 15.15 Hr,” Track and Field News, https://trackandfieldnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/1952.pdf.
  21. “Baker Ties 60-Yard Dash Record,” Fort Collins Coloradoan, March 30, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  22. “‘Run Leonidas Run’: Meet the Stars of the Track at the Ancient Olympic Games: From Completing Three Marathons in One Day – Post Olympic Title – To Chasing Down a Live Hare, the Achievements of the Running Idols at Olympia were Remarkable,” Welcome to the Ancient Games, International Olympic Committee, accessed August 22, 2021, https://olympics.com/ioc/ancient-olympic-games/running.
  23. Smith, Cowboy Stuntman, 44 (see chap. 10, n. 5).
  24. In February 1951, Thane Baker pledged to the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Hutchinson (KS) News, “Barbara Hanna Wins Tri-Delt Scholarship,” February 18, 1951, https://www.newspapers.com. ΔΤΔ Delta Tau Delta, accessed July 8, 2021, https://www.delts.org/. Dr. Lafene served as the doctor at Kansas State College in 1952. Kansas State named their health center after him. Lafene Health Center accessed July 8, 2021, https://www.k-state.edu/lafene/.
  25. “Furnished Apartments,” Rentals, Mercury – Chronicle (Manhattan, Kansas), July 2, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  26. This website supplies details on meals served on Pan American Airways flights from New York to London. Zois, Anthony and Sher. “PAN AM – New York to London, 1952,” Meher Baba’s Life & Travels (blog), accessed November 23, 2019, https://www.meherbabatravels.com/air-travels/pan-am-new-york-to-london-1952/.
  27. Reuters, “South Korea Faces Food Shortage: Rice Crops Ruined in Fighting, Nation Seeks Grain Imports,” Los Angeles Times, June 29, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  28. 3.2 beer, (see chap. 5, n. 5).
  29. Towers, Interview, (see chap. 8, n. 3).
  30. Ted Smits, “‘On to Helsinki’ For Thane Baker: Whitfield Joins Curtis Stone as Only Trial Double Winners,” Associated Press, Manhattan Mercury – Chronicle, June 29, 1952.
  31. Associated Press, “Moore Best Bet to Win—Hamilton: Santee Confident,” Los Angeles Times, July 19, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. “Santee was renowned for a confidence some claimed bordered on arrogance.” Kansas State Historical Society, “Wes Santee,” Kansapedia (blog), last modified February 2020, https://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/olympic-track-shoe/10387. The Honorable Jerry Mershon, retired, a Kansas State track teammate of Thane Baker, tells the story of Wes Santee sitting on a training table at the Texas Relays surrounded by reporters. Santee wore cowboy boots, a bolo tie, and a cowboy hat. When one of them ask Santee if he is one of the premier milers in the country, he responded, “Yes, yes, I am.” When another reporter told Santee that the Texas milers had been ‘eatin ‘em up, Santee replied, “Well, those Texas milers may be eating them up, but they haven’t tried to digest Wes Santee!” Mershon added that humility was not Santee’s long suit.However, Thane Baker embodied humility according to Mershon, who has known Baker for seventy years. Mershon, interview, (see chap. 9, n. 1) Mershon’s memory of Wes Santee’s discussion may have occurred in the April 1954 based on how newspapers called Santee the “premier” miler in the country then and their discussion of the cowboy boots that Santee wore getting off the plane for the Texas Relays. Associated Press, “Santee and Texans Eye Drake Relays,” Austin American, April 19, 1954, and George Breazeale, Kansas’ Wes Santee: 4-Minute (Maybe) Mile Strictly Team Man Here,” Austin American, April 2, 1954, www.newspapers.com. Wes Santee chased the “impossible” dream of being the first man in the world to run a mile in under four minutes. Roger Bannister eventually obtained this honor. Bring Back the Mile – America’s Distance (blog), “Wes Santee,” accessed April 26, 2020, https://bringbackthemile.com/athletes/detail/wes_santee. Norris Anderson, “On a Cowpoke Named Santee,” Firing Line, Lincoln Star, July 10, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. More information is in Neal Bascomb, The Perfect Mile: Three Athletes, One Goal, and Less Than Four Minutes to Achieve It, (Mariner Books, New York, 2005).
  32. Smith, Cowboy Stuntman, 13 (see chap. 10, n. 5).
  33. Mrs. Jody Billings, ninety-five years young as of the interview, is the daughter of Ward Haylett. She recalls that her father took his athletes to track meets by automobile. He loved traveling. During World War II and gasoline scarcities, she recalled that her father drove his car full of athletes while towing another car full of competitors from farm to farm as far as Colorado and back. The farmers’ sons attended Kansas State and would provide gas stamps to allow Mr. Haylett to buy enough gas to arrive at the next farm. She said he treated his family vacations the same way as his athletes. “If there was something to see, he went.” Jody Billings explained that his middle name, Hillman, came from the minister, who married his parents. She called him “a good dad” and loved her father very much. Athletes called her “Little Coach.” Her family appreciated when Ward Haylett became the head football coach in addition to being the track coach during World War II. He earned more money; plus. he arranged the household furniture to make plays. Dining room chairs became football players. Mr. Haylett threw passes to Jody, the receiver. A fun father, he never physically punished her, but made her feel bad enough about misbehaving that she always wanted to be good. When the Kansas State track team did not herd the pigs, Jody’s mother, “a little bitty thing,” caught the pigs. She corralled the cows, too. They were easier to manage than pigs. Ward Haylett left home in the morning after an early breakfast and not come home until seven at night for supper. While on the track, he was all business. Mrs. Billings said her father influenced a lot of people. He appreciated that his K-State “boys worked their feet off for him.” An honest and decent man, people liked Ward Haylett. Alice Joan “Jody” Haylett Billings, in discussion with author, February 2021. Judge Mershon reported that Ward Haylett let his track and field athletes decide who would attend track meets and how they would travel there. The Coach would bring his Kansas State athletes into his office and explain that only a few of the athletes would place in the meet. Mr. Haylett had enough money to send those few athletes to the meet first class. On the other hand, the rest of the athletes would benefit from the experience of the meet and the thrill of the competition but would not do well in the meet. If everyone went, the team would drive in three or four cars and would not have as nice a situation. The team always voted to bring everyone to allow more athletes to participate. Mershon, interview, (see chap. 9, n. 1). Dick Towers, former Athletic Director for Kansas State University said with his experience as an AD, he could not get over how in the early 1950s, the coach would just give the track team members money and say he would meet them at a certain location which might be hundreds of miles away. Towers and Mershon have amusing stories of their wild travel adventures. Today, regulations would prohibit team member travel in that fashion. (See chap. 8, n. 3). Thane Baker marked his 1952 route from Elkhart, Kansas, and stops ending in Los Angeles on a map. Thane began at home Elkhart. His parents drove him to join his coach and the other athletes in Syracuse, Kansas. From there, Mr. Haylett, Dick Towers, and two or three other Kansas State track and field athletes drove west on Highway 50. They turned north on Highway 287 just past Lamar, Colorado. At Kit Carson, they drove northwest on Highways 287 and 40. At Strasburg, Colorado, they joined Highway 36 and went west through Denver. They turned north on Highway 40 until they hit the Rocky Mountain National Park, at which point they turned west to Kremmling, Colorado, where they spent the night. The next day, the Kansas State team went west on Highway 40 past Salt Lake City and stopped in Wendover, Utah, for the night. The following morning, they drove on west on Highway 40 until Winnemucca, Nevada, at which point Highway 40 joined Highway 95 traveling southwest. At Reno, Nevada, they headed south on Highway 395 to Carson City, Nevada. They drove west on Highway 50 to Placerville, California. They cut south through Jackson and Yosemite National Park, then straight west to San Francisco, California, for the collegiate national championships. From San Francisco, they went southwest to Oakland. They drove east on Highway 50 to Highway 99 southbound. At Merced, California, they went northeast into Yosemite National Park again. Highway 41 southbound delivered them to Fresno, California, where they caught Highway 99 to Long Beach, California, for the AAU National Championship. Rand McNally, UTOCO: Utah Oil Refining Company Map of the United States, 48 x 32 cm, (1952 or earlier), torn from a larger map.
  34. Newspapers had criticized the United States Olympic Committee for making their competitors pay for extras. In response, the United States Olympic Committee refunded a $10 passport fee to each team member. “Olympic Refund,” Daily News (New York), July 7, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  35. Kansas State College required each entering first-year student to provide proof of smallpox vaccination. If not available, the Kansas State College Student Health Service vaccinated the student. Thane received his smallpox vaccination on September 12, 1949, as a first-year college student. Certificate of Vaccination against Small Pox, Riley County Health Department and Student Health Services, Kansas State College, June 4, 1952.

Notes to Chapter 11 The Vaulting Vicar, Bones, and Bud

  1. Reverend Robert Eugene Richards, also known as Bob Richards, interview with the author, September 5, 2019, and April 22, 2020. Richards distinguished himself as the only male pole vaulter to win medals in three Olympics, a bronze in 1948 and gold medals in 1952 and 1956. In fact, no other male pole vaulter successfully defended their Olympic title. Bob Richards won the Sullivan Award in 1951. “AAU Sullivan Award–Past Winners,” (see chap. 2, n. 1). He also won the Helms World Trophy Award that same year. 1952 U.S. Olympic Souvenir Book, “Tryouts,”23, (see chap. 8, n. 10). A big proponent of physical fitness, Bob became the first athlete to appear on the front of a Wheaties box and the first official spokesperson for Wheaties. General Mills, “Wheaties–The Breakfast of Champions,” History of Innovation, (pdf), accessed March 19, 2020, https://web.archive.org/web/20090320150339/http://www.generalmills.com/corporate/company/hist_wheaties.pdf. Bob Richards also served as a university professor, an ordained minister, and author of Heart of a Champion: Inspiring True Stories of Challenge and Triumph, (Grand Rapids, MI: Revell, 2009), Kindle. He competed and enjoyed, along with Thane Baker, the early years of the Masters events for men over forty. Bob said Thane Baker was probably one of the best sprinters of all time if you include Thane’s Masters performances. Year after year, Thane set world records for his age group. Richards ran for president in 1984. Encyclopedia Britannica, s.v. “Bob Richards,” last modified February 16, 2020. Audio recordings of Bob Richards exist on YouTube. The author has listened to some and recommends them to readers to learn what the charismatic Richards sounded like in his prime. On March 22, 2020, Bob Richards told the author, “Tell Thane I love him, and I’m all for him.”
  2. Unlike coaches in the early 1950s, today, coaches and runners understand advantages of strength training. “6 Benefits of Strength Training for Runners,” Runner’s Blueprint: The Ultimate Guide to Running, accessed April 18, 2020, https://www.runnersblueprint.com/6-benefits-of-strength-training-for-runners/. Kansas State Coach Ryun Godfrey says he believes all sprinters today do weight training. They develop power in the weight room. Yet, sprinters do not want to look like body builders. Rather, they build better motor systems. They focus on being explosive. Different competitors, who participate in separate events, will require unique strength workouts. Godfrey, interview, (see chap. 8, n. 2).
  3. Bob Richards said he had held a revival in York, Pennsylvania. While there, he worked out at a gym, a guy asked to take his picture. This article grew from that conversation. Richards, interview. Strength and Health, “Rev. Bob Richards: Sullivan Award Winner; Training Schedule of the World’s Best Pole Vaulter and Decathlon Champion,” July 1952, accessed February 4, 2020, https://www.tias.com/strength–health-magazine-july-1952-rev-bob-richards-617344.html/. Dr. Roswell Long, “Young People Give Service to Religion: They’re Responding to Churches; Offer Great Leadership,” Charlotte (NC) Observer, July 13, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  4. The author interviewed Harrison “Bones” Dillard on October 1, 2019. At age 96, Dillard had attained the honor of the oldest, living United States Olympic gold medalist. He passed six weeks later November 15, 2019. “Star Hurdler Who Became and Olympic Legend,” The Week, November 29, 2019. He also authored a book about his experiences. Harrison Dillard, Bones: The Life and Times of Harrison Dillard, AuthorHouse. 2012, chap. 3, 4, 7, Kindle. Here is an abbreviated biography. Debbie Hanson, “Harrison Dillard: Only Person to Ever Win Olympic Gold in Both Hurdles and Sprints,” Cleveland Seniors, accessed December 27, 2019, www.clevelandseniors.com/people/harrison-dillard.htm. For more information about Harrison Dillard, Robert Powell narrates an episode about his life. The Fastest Men on Earth, episode 11 of 20, “1948-London,” Thames Television 1988, YouTube video, 6:11, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl83bcPqodY. Harrison Dillard earned the Sullivan Award in 1955. “AAU Sullivan Award–Past Winners,” (see chap. 2, n. 1).
  5. Franklin Wesley “Bud” Held interview by author, April 4, 2022. Bud Held ranked first in the world in the javelin in 1951, 1953, and 1955. He won the AAU National Championships I the United States in 1949, 1951, 1953-55, and 1958. He also broke the world record in the javelin in 1953 and 1955. With his brother, Dick, Bud worked to produce javelins, the “Held” javelin, used by the world’s top throwers for decades. Olympedia, OlyMADMen, ed. s.v. “Bud Held,” http://www.olympedia.org/athletes/78543.
  6. The Soviet Union debuted in the Olympics in 1952. Other countries to compete for the first time included the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, Thailand, and Saarland, which was a part of Germany occupied by France. Athletes from this area joined the German team in 1956.

Notes to Chapter 12 Fire on the Plane

  1. Smith, Cowboy Stuntman, Page 43 (see chap. 10, n. 5).
  2. This almost crash provided a portent of later tragedies when all athletes and coaches flew on the same plane. On February 15, 1961, a plane crash killed the United States figure skating team and their coaches on their way to the 1961 World Figure Skating Championships in Prague, Czechoslovakia. This tragedy not only caused loss of life but also reduced the quality of U.S. skaters on the world stage for years. “U.S. Figure Skating Team Killed in Plane Crash,” edited by History.com editors, A&E Television Network,April 13, 2011, https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/u-s-figure-skating-team-killed-in-plane-crash. Again, on November 14, 1970, Marshall University lost most of its football team, the head coach, doctors, athletic director, and prominent team boosters in one plane crash. “Plane Crash Devastates Marshall University,” edited by History.com editors, A&E Television Network, last modified November 12, 2019, https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/plane-crash-devastates-marshall-university. This gave rise to the movie, We Are Marshall, directed by Joseph McGinty Nichol (McG) and written by Jamie Linden and Cory Helms. Matthew McConaughey starred in the Warner Brothers film released in 2006.
  3. When the pilot cut the power to the remaining three engines and put the airplane into a dive, the Olympians in the cabin experienced weightlessness like what astronauts would experience in space. Technically, they felt microgravity, as the actual gravitational force was minimal. Today, astronauts train, movie actors float, and paying passengers feel microgravity in jets that fly up and down following a parabolic arc, also known as a Keplerian Trajectory or a free-fall path. As the plane goes up, everyone experiences twice the amount of normal gravity on Earth. When it goes down, they hang suspended in the air. Jonathan Strickland, “How Zero-gravity Flights Work,” HowStuffWorks, accessed March 4, 2021, August 8, 2007, https://science.howstuffworks.com/zero-g.htm. Parabolic flight may cause motion sickness and vomiting. Ramona Ritzmann, Kathrin Freyler, Anne Krause, and Albert Gollhofer, “No Neuromuscular Side-Effects of Scopolamine in Sensorimotor Control and Force-Generating Capacity Among Parabolic Fliers,” Microgravity Sci. Technol. 28, (May 27, 2016): 477-490, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12217-016-9504-y.
  4. Many remember the plunging plane, but in the panic of the moment, where the event took place remains unknown. Thane Baker recalls the plane landed in Amarillo, Texas. Dean Smith believes the plane set down in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Smith, Cowboy Stuntman, 58, and interview (see chap. 10, n. 5). Charlie Moore, another member of the Olympic team, states in his book, Running on Purpose: Winning Olympic Gold, Advancing Corporate Leadership, and Creating Sustainable Value, that the fire occurred over Wichita, Kansas. Charles H. Moore, Jr. with James Cockerille, (self-pub., Edgemoor Ink, 2017), 34. Robert Kane, Team Manager for the Men’s Track and Field Team, recollected the fire being somewhere over Kansas. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 74, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). Robert Kane signed his autograph for Thane.

To my good friend, Thane-

a fine fellow and helluva

sprinter–best always.

Bob Kane

Manager

Cornell Univ.

Ithaca, NY

Notes to Chapter 13 New York City Arrival

  1. Sid Kline, “It Will Be Hot Today—Probably Not a Record,” Daily News (New York, NY),June 30, 1952, City Edition, https://www.newspapers.com.
  2. Dillard signed a letter of intent to attend Ohio State where Jesse Owens went to college, but changed his mind, as it was too far away from his home in Cleveland. By 1949, Dillard had traveled to Europe four times in five years. Dillard, Bones, chap. 3, 9, (see chap. 11, n. 4).
  3. Paramount Hotel, “History,” accessed February 21, 2020, https://www.nycparamount.com/the-hotel/history.

Notes to Chapter 14 The Week before Departure

  1. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 74, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). Getty Images display photographs from the practice of U.S. Men’s Track and Field Team at Palmer Stadium in Princeton, New Jersey. Olympic Runners on the Track, https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/these-six-powerful-young-athletes-running-around-the-palmer-news-photo/515021068. Walt Davis Practicing High Jump, https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/as-coach-clyde-littlefield-holds-the-bar-high-jumper-walt-news-photo/517760650.
  2. Dodgers Official Program and Score Card, “Brooklyn Dodgers vs. New York Giants,” (New York: Harry M. Stevens, July 3, 1952). The Brooklyn Dodgers advanced to the World Series later that year by defeating the New York Giants. The Dodgers lost the seven-game World Series to the New York Yankees. “1952 Brooklyn Dodgers Statistics,” Teams, Baseball Reference, accessed May 27, 2020, https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BRO/1952.shtml. Future Baseball Hall of Fame members wore uniforms that night. Jackie Robinson, number 42, played for the Dodgers. Further, he led all major leagues that season with his On Base Percentage of .440. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/robinja02.shtml. Willie Mays, in his second professional season, played for the Giants in 1952, but not on July 3, 1952. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mayswi01.shtml. Leo Durocher managed the New York Giants. https://www.baseball-reference.com/managers/durocle01.shtml. “Brooklyn Dodgers vs. New York Giants,” ticket, Brooklyn Dodgers, July 3, 1952. Baseball Reference, “New York Giants at Brooklyn Dodgers Box Score, July 3, 1952,” https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BRO/BRO195207030.shtml. The caption to a photograph accompanying an article lists where the Olympians sat during the baseball game. Associated Press, “U.S. Athletes Arrive in Helsinki,” Ithaca Journal, July 9, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. Dewey “Lee” Yoder, Jr. was a 1952 All-American from the University of Arkansas and qualified in second place behind Charlie Moore for the United States Olympic Team. Thoreau, 1953 Official NCAA Track and Field Guide, 17, 20-21, (see chap. 10, n. 18). Zach Lawson, “All-Americans,” 2012 Arkansas Men’s Track and Field Media Guide, https://issuu.com/jerit/docs/arkansasmenstrack/73. After his time in Arkansas, Yoder went to Louisiana State University. Lee Yoder, in discussion with the author, March 2020, August 2020.
  3. U. S. Weather Bureau Forecast, “Daily Almanac,” Daily News (New York City, NY),July 4, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  4. At 12:56, this video shows a visit to the top of Rockefeller Center in 1952. Trans World Airlines, Skyline New York, (Dudley Pictures, 1952), YouTube video, 26:51, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkvznbIJyNA. Thane Baker recalls walking all over New York City to see the sights.
  5. Kermit Jaediker, “Weather Fireworks Mark City’s Fourth,” Daily News (New York, NY), July 5, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  6. This multi-page document printed on United States Olympic Committee stationary discussed everything from smallpox vaccinations to flight information. Asa Bushnell (Secretary, U.S.O.C.), “Notice to United States Olympic Committee Chairmen, Managers, Coaches, and Team Members,” July 1952, private collection. This orange piece of paper provided an updated schedule to process the American Olympic competitors. Bushnell, Asa S. (Secretary, U.S.O.C.), “Attention: All Olympic Team Members, Managers, Coaches, and Other Personnel,” July 4, 1952, private collection.
  7. “M’Arthur Termed Open to 2nd Place: Taft Says He Has Been Told General Would Not Reject Offer to Run with Him,” New York Times, July 5, 1952, https://timesmachine.nytimes.com. Russell Porter, “Eisenhower Scores Taft ‘Chicanery’: In Iowa Talks He Deplores ‘Spectacle’ Over Delegates and Bars Any ‘Deals’,” New York Times, July 5, 1952, https://timesmachine.nytimes.com.
  8. This letter, printed on Amateur Athletic Union of the United States letterhead, delivered facts about post-Olympic competitions for Thane Baker. Daniel J. Ferris (Chairman, Pre & Post Olympic Competition Committee, AAU) to Members of the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team – Men & Women, July 1, 1952, private collection. United States Olympic Committee, “Track and Field (Men),” United States Team for 1952 Olympic Games, (New York: Brooklyn Eagle Press, July 1952), 7.
  9. Mother Leone’s Famous Dinner: Leone’s Since 1906, (menu, New York: n.p., July 5, 1952), private collection.
  10. Richards, Heart of a Champion, 119, 120, (see chap. 11, n. 1)
  11. Arthur Mulligan, “Rush, Crush: N.Y. Starts Home,” Daily News (New York City, NY), July 7, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  12. United States Olympic Committee, 1952 U. S. Olympic Souvenir Book: Olympic Sports Carnival, (program, Lynn, MA: H. O. Zimman, July 6, 1952).
  13. U.S. Weather Bureau, “Daily Almanac,” Daily News (New York City, NY), July 6, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  14. Associated Press, “Summaries,” Spokesman–Review (Spokane, WA), July 7, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  15. Hy Turkin, “Santee Sets 2 Records at Olympic Carnival,” Daily News (New York City, NY), July 7, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. Associated Press, “Davis Upsets Hurdle Champ,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Forth Worth, TX), July 7, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. Dieges and Clust, New York, donated badges and souvenir Olympic coins to all competitors. United States Olympic Committee, 1952 U. S. Olympic Souvenir Book: Olympic Sports Carnival, 19 (see chap. 14, n. 12).
  16. “Ashbaugh Qualifies for Olympics; Red Crew Awaits Trials,” Ithaca (NY) Journal, June 30, 1952, evening edition, https://www.newspapers.com.
  17. This two-page document on United States Olympic Committee letterhead specifies all information about the bus transportation, parade, lunch at the Waldorf, and flights for Olympic competitors. Asa Bushnell, (Secretary, U.S.O.C.), Instructions for Members of the Olympic Teams, Trainers and Coaches, July 2, 1952, private collection.
  18. “History of Old Spice,” History of Branding, accessed September 8, 2020, http://www.historyofbranding.com/oldspice/.
  19. William R. Conklin, “Millions Give Record Welcome to M’Arthur; Tons of Paper Showered on 19-Mile Parade; Files Show General Expected Quick Victory–Crowds Out Early–Murphy Puts Throng at 7,500,000, Half of it from Out of Town–Fete Lasts 6 Hours–General Praises City as Force to Maintain our Way of Life,” New York Times, April 21, 1951, https://timesmachine.nytimes.com.
  20. Mayor’s Reception Committee, The City of New York Reception in Honor of the 1952 Olympic Team, (program, New York: New York City Hall, July 7, 1952), private collection. Robert McFadden provides interesting information about the life of Mayor Impellitteri in his article. “Vincent Impellitteri is Dead: Mayor of New York in 1950’s,” New York Times, January 30, 1987, https://www.nytimes.com.
  21. Bob Richards, interview, (see chap. 11, n. 1). United States Olympic Committee, Information and Instruction for Members and Officials of the United States Olympic Team, XV Olympiad–Helsinki, July 19-August 3, 1952, VI Olympic Winter Games–Oslo, February 14-25, 1952. Printed on green paper, in late 1951 or early 1952 and held in private collection.
  22. Mayor’s Reception Committee, The City of New York Luncheon in Honor of the 1952 U. S. Olympic Team (menu, New York: Waldorf- Astoria, July 7, 1952), private collection. The menu, printed on 6.5” x 9” heavy cardstock, had a raised seal of New York City on the top printed in dark blue ink. They also printed the rest of the menu in dark blue ink. Private collection.

The City of New York

Mayor’s Reception Committee

Luncheon

in honor of the 1952 U. S. Olympic Team

Menu

Supreme of Fruit Lucullus

Breast of Chicken Virginia

Small Roasted Potatoes

New Stringbeans Sauté

Frozen Souffle Alaska

Petits Fours

Chocolate Leaves

Coffee

The Waldorf-Astoria

Monday, July 7, 1952

  • Starlight Roof images located here. https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.ileEcKm92XN1EJEDFp-XXQHaFj?pid=ImgDet&rs=1.
  • Photographs of the Olympic team’s parade on Broadway, Mayor Impelleteri, and lunch in the Starlight Roof room at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel are in Bushnell, Olympic Book, 247, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10).
  • Smith, Cowboy Stuntman, 58, and interview, (see chap. 10, n. 5).
  • Bushnell, Instructions for Members of the Olympic Teams, (see chap. 14, n. 17).
  • The author inspected a photograph in a private collection with the following information glued to the back of it:

Credit Pan American World Airways

Track, Field Stars Off for Olympics

Six of the nation’s top track and field stars pose for pictures with University of Texas Track Coach Clyde Littlefield just before boarding a Pan American World Airways Super-6 Clipper in New York for flight to Helsinki, Finland. Chosen in recent elimination contests here, the young athletes will represent the United States in the 1952 Summer Olympic Games. Left to right, they are Coach Littlefield; Bob Richards, Pole Vault, of Laverne, Calif.; Don Laz, Pole Vault, of 159 Evanslawn Avenue, Aurora, Ill.; Cy Young, javelin, of Route 5, Modesto, Calif.; Thane Baker, 200-meter dash of Elkhart, Kas.; Bob Backus, hammer throw, of 86 Oakland Avenue, Port Washington, N.Y., and Franklin Held, javelin, of Lakeside, Calif.

From: Pan American World Airways

N.Y. International Airport

28.      This photograph shows the team as they boarded their plane. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 77, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10).

29.      On Thane Baker’s plane, seventy-one track and field men, seven trainers, and two others traveled on the chartered airplane to Finland. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 260, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). Pan American World Airways System, “Charter Ticket and Baggage Check, No. 0261-20 214522,” Olympic Charter 060, July 7, 1952, private collection.

30.      Held, interview, (see chap. 11, n. 5).

31.      Bushnell, Olympic Book, 74, (see Notes for Opening Material, n. 10), and Smith, Cowboy Stuntman, 58, (see chap. 10, n. 5).

32.      Charles Hewes Moore, Jr., “Charlie,” in discussion with the author, August 2020. Charlie remembered the coaches required all competitors from each sport to sit together to get to know one another better. Charlie’s father, Charles Hewes Moore, “Crip,” traveled with the United States Olympic team as a hurdler in 1924 but did not compete as he served only as an alternate. This meant that Charlie and his father were the first United States father-son Olympians in track and field. Moore, Running on Purpose, 46 (see chap. 12, n. 4). Charlie Moore also joined Bob Hope and Bing Crosby during their June 21-22, 1952, telethon. Charlie recalled leaving a track meet and going straight to the telethon production. (Given the dates, he would have been at the 64th Annual United States Track and Field Championships held in Long Beach, California.) 64th Annual United States Track and Field Championships, (see chap. 10, n. 15). Lobosco, “Bing and the 1952 Olympic Telethon,” (see chap. 10, n. 3).

Notes to Chapter 15 Welcome to Helsinki

  1. The airport at Seutula opened for temporary use on July 6, 1952. Thane Baker and the rest of the United States Track and Field team arrived three days later July 9, 1952. Planners deemed the airport at Malmi, located nearer Helsinki, too small to support the heavy international aircraft. Sulo Kolkka, ed., XV Olympiad Helsinki, Finland: Official Report of the Organising Committee for the Games of the XV Olympiad, translated by Alex Matson, (Pavoo, Finland: Werner Soderstrom, 1955), 180-181. For ease of use, researchers may wish to download this book by sections. https://library.olympic.org/Default/doc/SYRACUSE/70779/the-official-report-of-the-organising-committee-for-the-games-of-the-xv-olympiad-ed-sulo-kolkka?_lg=en-GB.This video shows a sampling of the 2,000 athletes who arrived on and departed from Seutula’s one runway. Prison labor built Seutula Airport, the largest in Finland. It also displays the terminal, baggage loading, and bus transportation away from the airport. “Seutulan lentoasema 1952,” Elävä Arkisto, filmed July-August 1952, audio, 6:59, last updated November 11, 2011, https://yle.fi/aihe/artikkeli/2009/03/03/seutulan-lentoasema-1952.
  2. Associated Press, “U.S. Olympic Team Arrives in Helsinki: Fuchs Remains on Sick List,” Sports, Oakland (CA) Tribune, July 9, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. “Olympiakisojen aattona Helsinkiin saapui ulkomaisia edustusjoukkueita, kisaturisteja kautta mailman-sekä 720 000 pulloa Coca-Colaa,” (per Google Translate: “On the eve of the Olympic Games, foreign representative teams, race tourists from all over the world and 720,000 bottles of Coca-Cola arrived in Helsinki,”) https://yle.fi/aihe/artikkeli/2006/09/08/erik-von-frenckell-maistelee-kisacolaa-1952, accessed June 18, 2022.
  3. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 74, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10).
  4. Thane Baker to Mr. and Mrs. Walter F. Baker, July 15, 1952, (see chap. 10, n. 9).
  5. Visit Finland, “The Forest—A Finnish Favourite,” accessed December 31, 2019, https://www.visitfinland.com/article/the-forest-a-finnish-favourite/. “Tree Species,” Luke, Natural Resources Institute Finland, accessed December 31, 2020, https://www.luke.fi/en/natural-resources/forest/tree-species/.
  6. In 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt envisioned planting a strip of trees 1,000 miles long, crossing the country from Canada to Texas. One hundred rows of trees provided the width. He believed this proposal should increase humidity, slow the wind, stop the snow, and black blizzards of dirt. Popular Mechanics, “Fighting the Drouth,” October 1934, https://books.google.com/books?id=xd8DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA483#v=onepage&q&f=false. The experiment, though not fully executed, worked. But today, fear exists that as trees die of drought or farmers tear them down, not recognizing their value, the Dust Bowl may return. Joe Wertz, “Dust Bowl Worries Swirl Up as Shelterbelt Buckles,” All Things Considered, NPR, September 10, 2013, https://www.npr.org/2013/09/10/220725737/dust-bowl-worries-swirl-up-as-shelterbelt-buckles.
  7. British Pathé, “Helsinki Street Scenes (1952),” filmed in Helsinki, Finland, in summer 1952, YouTube video, 1:57, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUx0A9s07co. The first minute and forty-two seconds of Charlie Dean’s narration shows views of Helsinki and the Olympic Village where the American competitors lived. Charlie Dean, 1952 Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland, (see Notes to Opening Material, n. 17). Lare Lekman, videographer, filmed a contemporary view of Helsinki, My Helsinki, YouTube video, May 12, 2014, 4:22, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPzVzJFq0ZQ.
  8. Wizard of Oz, directed by Victor Fleming, Mervyn LeRoy, and King Vidor, starring Judy Garland, (Culver City, CA: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1939).
  9. Spotting History, “Helsinki Cathedral,” accessed February 7, 2020, https://www.spottinghistory.com/view/131/helsinki-cathedral/. Spotting History, “Senate Square: Helsinki, Finland,” accessed February 7, 2020, https://www.spottinghistory.com/view/138/senate-square/.
  10. Eugene Fodor, ed., Scandinavia in 1952: with Finland and the Olympic Games, (Netherlands: Mouton, 1952), 381, 384.
  11. Matti Klinge, “Mannerheim, Gustaf,” Biografiakeskus: National Biography of Finland, translated by Fletcher Roderick,accessed March 26, 2020, https://kansallisbiografia.fi/english/person/625. Fodor, Scandinavia in 1952, 385, (see chap. 15, n. 10). To honor the Finnish hero, the United States delegation placed a huge wreath on the grave of Baron Mannerheim, Marshal of Finland. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 246, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10).
  12. Each bus, small motor coach, or car that belonged to the Finnish Olympic transportation armada had a sign on it that read Urheilijat or athletes. The sign allowed the vehicle to park in a designated area. In practice, other vehicles and pedestrians yielded the right of way to the competitors’ official transports. Fourteen buses ran each day. Athletes could order rides a day in advance or even on demand. Kolkka, Official Report, 101-102, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  13. Open air market setup begins at 1:23 seconds in “Helsinki Street Scenes (1952,)” (see chap. 15, n. 7). A picture is on page 190 of Bushnell’s Olympic Book, (see Notes for Opening Material, n. 10). In the following video, additional street scenes begin at 7:07. It shows Olympic fans enjoying Coca-Cola, ice cream cones, and eating outdoors at standing tables with porcelain cups and plates using metal silverware.“Helsinki Summer Games 1952 Olympics Opening Ceremony,” filmed July 1952 in Helsinki, Finland, Eurolondon, YouTube video, 11:09, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEY4UiZqnlY. This is part of a larger video. Holger Harrivirta, edit., “Muistojen kisakesä 1952: Minnenas Olympiasommar 1952,” Olympia-Filmi, Elävä muisti video, 49:58, https://elavamuisti.fi/aikajana/muistojen-kisakesa-1952. The author studied “Muistojen kisakesä 1952” for details mentioned in the rest of the book. Stefania Belloni, Finland: Land of a Thousand Lakes, trans. Prof. Brian Williams, (Florence, Italy: Centro Stampa Editoriale, n.d.), 17. Fodor, Scandinavia in 1952, 384, (see chap. 15, n. 10).
  14. Marko Linturi filmed beautiful images of Töölönlahti Bay over months. Töölönlahden Vuodenajat: 10/2013-7/2014 also titled Four Seasons at Töölö Bay, YouTube video, 2:54, accessed March 31, 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH0VA7s9E5A.
  15. A picture of the flags is on page 83 of Kolkka, Official Report, (see chap. 15, n. 1). In total, officials flew, or athletes carried 1,152 flags during the Olympic Games.
  16. Ilta-Sanomat, a Finnish newspaper, showed pictures of the Helsinki Olympic Stadium under construction in the mid-1930s. The original dedication of the stadium took place on June 12, 1938, to prepare for the 1940 Olympics. Pasi Jaakkonen, “Suurten Muistojen Olympiastadion,” Plus Historia, Ilta-Sanomat Plus, August 8, 2020, 10. Although built with 50,000 seats, planners added 20,000 temporary spaces for the 1952 Games. Kolkka, Official Reports, 44-47, (see chap. 15, n. 1). Olympia Stadion, “Helsinki Olympic Stadium: History of the Stadium,” accessed March 26, 2020, https://www.stadion.fi/helsinki-olympic-stadium. Photographers enjoy taking pictures of the stadium tower. “Olympic Stadium Tower Helsinki,” accessed November 23, 2019, https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Olympic+Stadium+Tower+Helsinki&form=IDINTS&first=1&cw=1257&ch=981. Page 14 of Belloni’s book has a beautiful picture of the Olympic tower. Belloni, Finland: Land of a Thousand Lakes, (see chap. 15, n. 13). On August 22, 2020, the renovated Helsinki Olympic Stadium reopened. “Helsinki Olympic Stadium Reborn for Modern Age,” The Stadium Business, September 9, 2020, https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2020/09/09/helsinki-olympic-stadium-reborn-modern-age/.
  17. Much of the construction and planning for the 1952 Olympic Games took place prior to 1940. In fact, the Finnish organizing committee made decisions while sitting in air-raid shelters. The Greek name of the Olympic peace is Ekecheiria. Kolkka, Official Report, 10, 13, 22-23, (see chap. 15, n. 1). Perseus Project, “The Olympic Truce,” Classics Department, Tufts University, http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Olympics/truce.html.
  18. After World War I, communities built stadiums in memory of their fallen soldiers. Thane Baker ran in several in 1952, including the one at his college, as well as the NCAA and AAU Championships. While the first football game in Memorial Stadium at Kansas State played in 1922, K-State President Richard Myers, retired Air Force general and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, dedicated the stadium in 2017. The Depression had derailed earlier plans for the same. Kyler Langvardt, “Memorial Stadium dedicated to 48 fallen WWI K-State Student Soldiers,” The Collegian (Manhattan, KS),April 24, 2017, https://www.kstatecollegian.com/2017/04/24/memorial-stadium-dedicated-to-48-fallen-wwi-k-state-student-soldiers/. Varsity football and track and field events continued there until 1967, but the stadium is still in active use today for recreational running, club soccer, lacrosse, rugby, and marching band practice. Wikipedia, s.v. “World War I Memorial Stadium,” last modified September 19, 2019, 06:09, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I_Memorial_Stadium
  19. Veteran’s Stadium in Long Beach, California, Wikipedia, s.v. “Veterans Memorial Stadium” (Long Beach), last modified May 10, 2019, 11:15, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterans_Memorial_Stadium_(Long_Beach).
  20. University of California at Berkeley boasted another stadium to honor World War I soldiers. It, too, began in the early 1920s. National Park Service, s.v. “California Memorial Stadium,” November 27, 2006, https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail?assetID=772f8e8e-2b63-4db7-b898-f60d067bf93f.
  21. The Story Behind the Largest and Finest Stadium in America, Los Angeles Coliseum, (Los Angeles: Citizen Print Shop, 1952).
  22. Beginning in 1920, Paavo Nurmi earned twelve Olympic medals as a distance runner, nine golds and three silvers. “Paavo Nurmi Seals Record Medal Tally at Amsterdam 1928,” News, International Olympic Committee, July 29, 2019, https://olympics.com/en/news/paavo-nurmi-seals-record-medal-tally-at-amsterdam-1928. Roger Robinson provides commentary about Paavo Nurmi. “The Mystery of the Flying Finn,” Runner’s World, July 10, 2014, https://www.runnersworld.com/advanced/a20795712/paavo-nurmi-the-mystery-of-the-flying-finn/. Finland has four statues of Paavo Nurmi. Photographers posted pictures of Paavo Nurmi. https://live.staticflickr.com/6061/6080894966_29ba756e56_b.jpg. Wäinö Aaltonen sculpted the famous statue of a nude Paavo Nurmi running. Turku City Arty Museum, s.v. “Paavo Nurmi,” http://www.wam.fi/en/waino-aaltonen-museum-art/waino-aaltonen. A statue of Paavo Nurmi also stands in the Olympic Museum Park at Lausanne. “Paavo Nurmi: Makes the Impossible Possible,” News, International Olympic Committee, June 13, 2007, https://olympics.com/ioc/news/paavo-nurmi-makes-the-impossible-possible.
  23. Photographs of the Käpylä Olympic Gate are in Bushnell, Olympic Book, 61, 65, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). Citius, Altius, Fortius, means Faster, Higher, Stronger. Baron Pierre de Coubertin adopted this motto from Father Henri Didon, a Dominican priest and teacher, who used this phrase to inspire his students to excel at sports. George Hirthler, “Citius, Altius, Fortius,” Coubertin Quote for Jan. 10, Coubertin Speaks (blog), https://coubertinspeaks.com/quotes/jan/10/.
  24. The first 1:20 of this video shows Olympic athletes at Käpylä Olympic Village in the weeks leading up to the Opening Ceremonies. “Helsinki Summer Games 1952 Olympics Opening Ceremony,” 11:09, (see chap. 15, n. 13). Associated Press, “350 American Athletes Set for Olympics: Raise Flag over U.S. Village Today; Bob Richards Injured,” Record, (Hackensack, NJ), July 12, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  25. Information about identity cards found here: Bushnell, Olympic Book, 34-35, 255, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10).
  26. Bob Busby, “U.S. in Workouts, Basketball Team has 2-Hour Drill in Helsinki After Ocean Crossing, Track Team Arrives, Santee and Baker among the Tired Athletes Who Sleep, Then Do Some Running,” Kansas City Times, Associated Press,July 9 or 10, 1952. “Red Olympians Get ‘Friendly’–Reverse Tactics and Open ‘Iron Curtain’ Camp; U.S. Trackmen Workout,” Lafayette (IN) Journal and Courier, July 10, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  27. The author viewed the 1952 Helsinki Athletics Olympic pin in a private collection.
  28. At the Kansas Relays, Thane Baker won the 100-yard dash three years in a row from 1951 through 1953. His team also won the 4×200 meter relay. Thus, Thane earned four Kansas University watches. Skipper Patrick, “Hooper and Thane Baker Share Honors,” and “The KU Relays Summaries,” Leavenworth (KS) Times, April 19, 1953, https://www.newspapers.com.

Notes to Chapter 16 Olympic Village

  1. Finnish Olympic planners needed housing for 7500 competitors from sixty-one countries. At Käpylä, where Thane Baker and his teammates lived, thirteen buildings with 545 apartments hosted 4,800 men. This means each unit, on average, held 8.8 Olympians. Grooms for horses and some riders stayed at Ruskeasuo,a residential training school for war invalids,with forty bedrooms that supported four to six people each. Most of the Finnish athletes stayed on the island of Santahamina, at the Cadet School. Soviet and Eastern Bloc athletes remained fenced in nine buildings at Otaniemi, a student hostel, with 1,388 beds. Women from Communist countries claimed one building. The remaining five hundred women from the other countries, including the Americans, stayed at the Sairaanhoitajaopisto, the Nurses Training College. During competition, Modern Pentathletes stayed at the Hotel Aulanko in Hämeenlinna. Otherwise, they lived at Käpylä or Otaniemidepending on if they came from a Western or Eastern Bloc country. All yachtsmen from foreign countries lived with Finnish yachtsmen and their families. Kolkka, Official Report, 84-92, (see chap. 15, n. 1) and Bushnell, Olympic Book, 267, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). Finland constructed an Olympic Village, Olympiakyläin Finnish, for the expected 1940 Olympics. When that did not occur because of World War II, people in Helsinki occupied it. They build Kisakylä or Games Village for the 1952 Games. Both Olympic Villages exist inside the borders of Käpylä, a neighborhood inside Helsinki. In English, Käpylä Olympic Village is an appropriate title for where the American Olympians stayed. Matti Hintikka, Information Service Coordinator, Sports Museum of Finland, email message to author, August 18, 2021. American Olympians that the author studied referred to it as Käpylä Olympic Village. The United States sent only ten female track and field athletes to the 1952 Olympics to live at Sairaanhoitajaopisto. Support for women’s athletics in 1952 lagged far behind men’s athletics. The women’s coach, Lucile Wilson, railed that any boy who wished to compete in track and field could do so from late elementary school through college. Women only had a few private athletic clubs and playground departments for training, because the “educational institutions” in America have a “phobia that athletics are injurious to our female population.” In the 1952 Olympics, women ran only the 100 and 200 meters along with the 80-meter hurdles. One American placed sixth in the 100 meters. For field events, the Americans had one seventh place finish in the broad jump and a thirteenth place in the javelin, but failed to place in the high jump, discus, or shot put. Surprising everyone, the United States women came in first in the 4×100-meter relay, setting an Olympic and world record. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 113-116, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10)
  2. Associated Press, “Chinese Games Fight is Placed Before IOC,” Spokesman-Review (Spokane, WA), July 12, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  3. Käpylä Sports Park information found at Kolkka, Official Report, 85, (see chap. 15, n. 1). The author observed a privately held photograph of the fence around the training track.
  4. The Official Report submitted by the Finnish organizing committee stated the Americans stayed in Building 3 with the Puerto Rican delegation. Kolkka, 86, (see chap. 15, n. 1). The United States Olympic Committee reported their athletes lived in building 11B, which is the number on Koskelantie Street. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 74, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). Vesa Tikander, Researcher for the Sports Museum of Helsinki, explained that both sources correctly identified the numbers for the building where Thane and the other American Olympians lived. Building 3 came from the original construction plans for the Olympic Village, and 11b showed the street address. Vesa Tikander, email message to author, November 5, 2020. The Olympic housing placed narrow buildings with multiple balconies around a central courtyard. Hilding Ekelund designed the project. Ritta Salastie, “Olympic Village,” Finnish Architecture Navigator, https://finnisharchitecture.fi/olympic-village/.
  5. Furniture manufacturers loaned stock made for hospitals and nursing homes. Kolkka, Official Report, 93, (see chap. 15, n. 1). Bob Mathias recalled the cement floors in his book. Myron Tassin, Bob Mathias: Life of the Olympic Champion, (New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1983), 78. Charlie Moore stated the showers did not have hot water, but the Finnish saunas did. Moore, interview, (see chap. 14, n. 32). Their apartment building had seven entrances. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 265, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10), and Kolkka, Official Report, 87 (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  6. William Patrick “Parry” O’Brien, Jr.’s new way of throwing the shotput led him to Olympic gold medals in both 1952 and 1956. In 1960, he earned a silver. He carried the American flag in the Opening Ceremonies in 1964 and placed fourth. Parry set six Olympic records and broke the world record seventeen times. He earned the Sullivan Award in 1959. Seventy years after his first appearance in the Olympics, his throwing technique is still referred to as the “O’Brien Method” or the “O’Brien Glide.” Helene Elliott, “Parry O’Brien, 75; Champion Revolutionized Shotput Throw,” Los Angeles Times, April 23, 2007, https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-apr-23-me-obrien23-story.html. Frank Litsky, “Parry O’Brien, Pioneer in Shot-Putting Technique, Dies at 75,” New York Times, April 23, 2007, https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/23/sports/othersports/23obrien.html. “AAU Sullivan Award–Past Winners,” (see chap. 2, n. 1). Marvin Stone, “American Olympic Stars Work Out at 3 a.m. in Finland’s Midnight Sun,” Marysville (OH) Journal, July 12, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  7. Germany loaned Finland the material for the restaurant tent. Kolkka, Official Report, 97, (see chap. 15, n.

The planned hours of operation:

Breakfast 0700-1000

Lunch 1100-1400

Dinner 1700-2000  

In reality, the restaurant operated from 0700 until 2300.

The Finnish Olympic Committee reported the following:

The competitors ate 373,905 kilos of raw food material.

Each ate 4,000-5,000 calories per day.

Beef, mutton, and chicken were in high demand, but few ate fish.

Olympians avoided fried foods.

Their favorite dessert was ice cream.

Bread was important.

They consumed a great deal of butter, raw vegetables, and fruit.

Honey, maltose, and grape sugar were important.

Olympians avoided canned raw foods.

They drank flavored drinks, milk, ice water, fruit juice and mild pilsner (like American beer).

Kolkka, Official Report, 97-100, (see chap. 15, n. 1).

In the early 1950s, American coaches encouraged their track athletes to eat lightly to keep their competition weight down. The coaches believed that if their runners had less weight to carry, they would run faster. Robert Kane, the United States Team Manager, reported, “The food was quite good, very plentiful, and disposed of in horrendous quantity.” (Emphasis added by author.) Bushnell, Olympic Book, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). Instructions for athletes’ diets have changed since 1952. This author does not endorse the following nutritional guidelines but provides them to illustrate that food directives have altered. Andrea Boldt, “Daily Meal Plans for Athletes,” reviewed by Jill Corleone, RDN, LD, Livestrong.com, February 4, 2019, https://www.livestrong.com/article/280826-daily-meal-plans-for-athletes/. Peter Jaret, “5 Nutrition Tips for Athletes,” reviewed by Arefa Cossoobhoy, MD, MPH on May 16, 2014, https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/nutrition-tips-athletes#1.

Food donated from the United States and commingled with the food shared by all:

From Fair Food Stores

3,000 pounds of boiled ham

2,500 pounds of sliced bacon

6,000 ten-ounce sirloin steak

3,000 lamb chops

2,500 eviscerated broilers

From Stokely-Van Camp-150 cases 48-oz. orange juice

From National Biscuit Company-16 cases of Fig Newtons

From Nestle’s Milk Chocolate-15,000 chocolate bars

From Rockwood’s Chocolate-24 cases chocolate-mint wafers

From Savarin Coffee-720 one-pound cans coffee

Helm’s Bakeries of Los Angeles flew five hundred loaves of bread and 1,000 donuts and assorted cookies to Helsinki daily and paid for shipping. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 264-266, 268, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). Helms Bread provided bread for the 1932 and 1968 Olympic Games besides the 1952 Games. The author suspects, but could not verify, that Helms Bread also supplied other Olympic Games. In return, Helms Bread used the Olympic name on their bread labels and signage. Helms Bakery District, “History,” accessed June 14, 2020, https://helmsbakerydistrict.com/about/history/.

Despite the variety, Dean Smith hated the food in the Olympic Village and ate SPAM or boiled ham and crackers. “SPAM,” Hormel, accessed May 4, 2021, https://www.spam.com/. Smith, Interview, (see chap. 10, n. 5).

  • “Baker Claims He Gets Fuel from Eating Honey: Big Seven Dash Champ Feels He Gets Added Speed from Nature’s Refinery,” Manhattan Republic, May 30, 1951, https://www.newspapers.com. Ward Haylett said, “It’s all right with me if he eats it–especially if he keeps on running like he has been.”
  • Mashburn, interview, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 15). Bushnell, Olympic Book, 75, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10).
  • The United States Chef de Mission, Kenneth Wilson, and Henry Matis, the United States Attaché assigned to work with the Finnish Organizing Committee, both recommended that the 1956 United States Olympic Committee provide small charms, pins, or insignia to United States athletes either by gift or purchase to allow these competitors to trade with team members from other countries. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 249, 252, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). Bob Mathias reported the trading frenzy. One American cut off a piece of his shirt for an Egyptian fez tassel. A Yugoslavian man received an eyelash curler, which he then used on himself. Popular items on the trading market included nylons, lipstick, costume jewelry, Swiss skiing caps, Russian kopeks, and Swedish jackknives. Competitors even asked for locks of hair. The Life of the Olympic Champion, 80, (see chap. 16, n. 5). However, #19 of “Important Regulations” in Information and Instruction for Members of Officials of the United States Olympic Team states, “The personnel of the Olympic Teams shall not take with them any articles for the purpose of sale or barter…. Violation of the above… shall be grounds for immediate dismissal from the team, (see chap. 14, n. 21). In 1956, the United States Olympic Committee supplied pins for their athletes to trade.
  • Kolkka, Official Report, 86, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  • Horace Ashenfelter’s scholarship raised $3,584.29 to assist a Finnish student to study in America. Bushnell, Olympic Book, page 274, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10).
  • Kolkka’s Official Report has a picture of athletes exchanging money in the bank at Käpylä Olympic Village on page91, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  • Associated Press, “Injured Vaulter to Miss Tuneups,” Spokane (WA) Daily Chronicle, July 11, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  • Smith, Cowboy Stuntman, 45-52, (see chap. 10, n. 5).
  • The Sports Museum of Finland possesses a yellow package of five razor blades. Helsinki 1952: Razor Blade Pack, Helsinki: Sports Museum of Finland, accessed October 16, 2020, https://www.urheilumuseo.fi/en/exhibition/helsinki-olympic-games-1952/. Author viewed a Schick 20 razor given to a 1952 Olympian held in a private collection. The number after the company name indicated the twentieth anniversary of the Schick company. The Olympic Book edited by Bushnell acknowledges this donation on page 263, (see Notes for Opening Material, n. 10). The following letter accompanied the razor.

Schick Incorporated

Electric Shaving Headquarters

Stamford, Connecticut

Office of the President

July 5, 1952

Dear Friend:

As a member of the United States Team, we wish you good luck and great success upon your participation in the Olympic Games.

You have earned the right to represent your country by being a winner and we’re proud to have you use our winner–the New Schick “20”.

Give the Schick “20” a workout tomorrow. You’ll find it delivers smooth, close shaves in record breaking time. It’s no wonder that “MORE MEN USE SCHICK ELECTRIC SHAVERS THAN ANY OTHER MAKE.”

Congratulations and best wishes.

Sincerely yours

SCHICK INCORPORATED

Chester G. Gifford

President

CGGifford

Mac

Founded by Colonel Jacob Schick, Inventor of the Electric Shaver

  1. Post offices in Finland sold Olympic postage stamps. Kolkka, Official Report, 114, (see chap. 15, n. 1). A special stamp provided Olympic rings with the words “Olympia Helsinki and Helsinki Helsingfors” along with the date for the postal cancellation mark. Author viewed a postcard, an Aerogram, and a letter mailed from Helsinki to the United States in July 1952 along with United States postcard postage during that period. A private collection holds these items.
  2. Author viewed photograph in private collection showing people standing behind the Olympic Village fence. Multiple interviewees confirmed the fence with the wall of people. In the early 1950s, some men wore their hair slicked back from their face. They often used Brylcreem or a similar product to get this effect. “The Look Is Back,” Brylcreem, accessed May 5, 2021, https://www.brylcreemusa.com/#get-the-look. Meredith “Flash” Gourdine, US silver medalist in the broad jump, also reported that beautiful women lined the fence. Gourdine said that the Finnish women had been told that all “colored” men had tails. The warning only inspired the “foxes” (women) to see for themselves. According to Gourdine, many were most willing to help an athlete “get loose.” Tape 2 Side A recorded by Flash Gourdine to preserve his memories for family in private collection. The author used also used Tape 1 Side B for this book and corresponded with his daughter, Traci Gourdine, regarding her father’s Olympic experiences. Not only could Meredith “Flash” Gourdine jump far, but he also became a skilled engineer, who earned his Ph.D. in Engineering Physics from Cal Tech. Gaius Chamberlain, “Meredith Gourdine,” The Black Inventor On-Line Museum, November 26, 2012, http://blackinventor.com/meredith-gourdine/. “Meredith C. Gourdine: Electrogasdynamics Systems,” Lemelson–MIT Program, accessed April 24, 2020, https://lemelson.mit.edu/resources/meredith-c-gourdine. “Meredith “Flash” Gourdine,” Track & Field, NJSports.com, The State of Sports!, accessed August 13, 2021, http://njsportsheroes.com/meredithgourdine.html. In the 1950s, Americans often used the adjective “colored.” Since then, the adjective has changed to “Black,” “Negro,” “African American,” and “People of Color.” John McWhorter, “Why is Colored Person Hurtful and Person of Color OK? A Theory of Racial Euphemisms,” Lexicon Valley, August 24, 2016, 9:30, https://slate.com/human-interest/2016/08/colored-person-versus-person-of-color-how-does-society-decide-which-racial-terms-are-acceptable.html. Kee Malesky, “The Journey from ‘Colored’ to ‘Minorities’ to ‘People of Color,’” Code Sw!tch: Word Watch, March 30, 2014, 9:25, https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2014/03/30/295931070/the-journey-from-colored-to-minorities-to-people-of-color.
  3. Andy Stanfield, (see chap. 14, n. 34). Andy Stanfield and Flash Gourdine were close friends. (See chap.16, n. 19). After Stanfield graduated from Seton Hall, he then ran for the Grand Street Boy’s Association. Charlie Cutler, “The Second Guesser,” Council Grove (KS) Republican, October 14, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. At the Olympic Tryouts, Stanfield wore a shirt that had Grand Street Boys printed on it. “Spectacular Action Climaxes Olympic Tryouts at Coliseum: Record Buster,” photograph, Los Angeles Times, June 29, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. The beginnings of the Grand Street Boys’ Association began in 1916 at the first reunion of Jewish men, who had grown up around Grand Street. “Open to all men (and eventually women) regardless of religion, ethnicity, or social class, the Grand Street Boys promoted welfare projects, acts of fellowship and tolerance, scholarships, youth employment, war efforts, and the elimination of discrimination in sports.” (Emphasis added by author.) Patricia Glowinski, “The Grand Street Boys’ Association, ‘headquarters of those who really love New York,’” Center for Jewish History (blog), accessed September 22, 2020, https://blog.cjh.org/index.php/2017/04/26/the-grand-street-boys-association-headquarters/. The Grand Street Boy’s Association sponsored four athletes to the AAU Track and Field National Championships in Long Beach. Two of them, who competed in the Olympics, Herbert McKenley of Jamaica, and Andy Stanfield, were both men of color. 64th Annual United States Track and Field Championships, 9 (see chap. 10, n. 15). This photograph shows integrated dancing in Finland, which segregation in the United States would have prohibited. “Helsingin olympialaiset 1952. Search: 1952, (47/893),” https://www.helsinkikuvia.fi/search/details/?image_id=hkm.HKMS000005:000001oh.
  4. Beginning at nine minutes and six seconds, this video shows Finnish girls with their curtsy and boys bowing their heads as Olympic competitors sign autographs for them. “Helsinki Summer Games 1952 Olympics Opening Ceremony,” (see chap. 15, n. 13). Time, “Sport: The Strength of Ten,”Monday, July 21, 1952, https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,859899,00.html.
  5. Stone, “American Olympic Stars Work Out,” (see chap. 15, n. 6). In a telephone interview, Bob Richards claimed he beat Don Laz in the handstand race, but he teased the author to infer that he could have been joking. Richards, interview, (see chap. 11, n. 1).

Notes to Chapter 17 The Coach’s Speech

  1. Mashburn, interview, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 15).
  2. Thane Baker to Mr. and Mrs. Walter F. Baker, July 15, 1952, (see chap. 10, n. 9).
  3. Brutus Kerr Hamilton, July 19, 1900–December 28, 1970, earned a silver medal in the decathlon in the 1920 Olympics. He also placed sixth and seventh in the pentathlon in the 1920 and 1924 Olympics, respectively. Hamilton coached at the University of California, Berkley, from 1932 to 1965 and served as an assistant coach in the 1932 and 1936 Olympics. In 1952, he held the head track and field coaching position. Olympedia, OlyMADMen, ed. s.v. “Brutus Hamilton,” accessed August 2, 2020, http://www.olympedia.org/athletes/78508. Brutus Hamilton spoke all quotes in the text, which author gathered from public sources. Words in this book attributed to Brutus Hamilton, but not quoted directly, came from memories of 1952 Olympic competitors. Brutus Hamilton took responsibility for the decathlon, shotput, discus throw, and hammer throw. He delegated the sprinters, jumpers, and sprint relay to Clyde Littlefield, Dean Smith’s coach from the University of Texas. Larry Snyder claimed the hurdlers, middle distance, and 4×400 meter relay. Chick Warner looked after the distance events, pole vault, and javelin. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 75, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10).
  4. Associated Press, “Reds Drop Icy Attitude, OK Olympic Base Visits,” Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester, NY), July 10, 1952.
  5. Smith, Cowboy Stuntman, 15, 190. Dean’s paternal grandmother, whom Dean called, “Mama,” raised Dean, (see chap. 10, n. 5).
  6. Gourdine, tape recordings, (see chap. 16, n. 19).
  7. Bushnell, Olympic Book, p. 249-250, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10).
  8. Associated Press, “Red Olympians Get ‘Friendly,’” (see chap. 15, n. 26).
  9. Zimmerman, “Makes Plans after Olympics,” (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 14).
  10. Associated Press,“Reds’ Entry Noted: U.S. Athletes Urged to Do Better Than the Best,” Ithaca (NY) Journal, June 30, 1952, evening edition, https://www.newspapers.com.
  11. Associated Press, “Moore Best Bet to Win,” (see chap. 10, n. 31).
  12. Murray Olderman, “Brutus Hamilton, U.S. Coach, Says He’ll Use ‘Natural Approach’ on Russ,” Newspaper Enterprise Association, La Crosse (WI) Sunday Tribune, July 13, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. The 1952 Olympic Games began the use of the Olympics as a venue for Cold War propaganda. Redihan, Olympics and the Cold War. Rider, Cold War Games (See Notes to Opening Material, n. 22). As both sources prove, both the Soviets and the Americans promoted their own country during the 1952 Olympics, yet Thane Baker was oblivious to the struggles undertaken by the great powers. Thane understood that he should do his best for his country.
  13. Associated Press, “U.S. Olympic Team Arrives in Helsinki: Fuchs Remains on Sick List,” (see chap. 15, n. 2).
  14. After changing their decision three times on July 18, 1952, the day before the Olympic ceremony, the International Olympic Committee voted to exclude East Germany from the XV Olympics. Both Nationalist and Communist China had permission to compete. Avery Brundage, the president of the United States Olympic Association and newly elected president of the International Olympic Committee, contrasted their position with East Germany because “it was given the opportunity to resolve its differences with West Germany and failed to do so.” Also, “There was no demand on the part of East Germany to compete in these Olympics.” Leo H. Petersen, “East Germany Loses Olympics Entry Nod,” United Press, Kenosha (WI) News, July 18, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.Posey presents a less than flattering assessment of Avery Brundage’s character but acknowledges that he “got things done.” Carl A. Posey, The Olympic Century: The Complete History of the Modern Olympic Movement, Volume 13, XV Olympiad, Helsinki 1952, Cortina D’Ampezzo 1956, (Toronto: Warwick Press, 1996), Kindle, locations 1794-2194 of 5928. Between 1956-1964, the German Democratic Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany competed together under one flag. Erin Blakemore, “A Divided Germany Came Together for the Olympics Decades Before Korea Did,” A&E Television Network, updated September 1, 2018, https://www.history.com/news/a-divided-germany-came-together-for-the-olympics-decades-before-korea-did.
  15. United Press, “Hamilton Picks U.S. to Gain 10 Firsts in Olympic Track—Looks for Sweep in 2 Events,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, July 14, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  16. Olderman, “Brutus Hamilton, ‘Natural Approach,’” (see chap. 17, n. 12).
  17. Darci Miller, “Three-Time Olympic Track Champion Mal Whitfield Dies at 91,” Team USA News,November 19, 2015, https://www.teamusa.org/News/2015/November/19/Three-Time-Olympic-Track-Champion-Mal-Whitfield-Dies-At-91. Encyclopaedia Britannica, s.v. “Mal Whitfield: American Athlete,” accessed February 8, 2020, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mal-Whitfield. The AAU awarded Mal Whitfield with the Sullivan Award in 1954. “AAU Sullivan Award–Past Winners,” (see chap. 2, n. 1).
  18. Harrison Dillard, (see chap. 11, n. 4). Olympedia, OlyMADMen, ed. s.v. “Jack Davis,” accessed August 2, 2020, http://www.olympedia.org/athletes/78299. Kelyn Soong, “Harrison Dillard, U.S. Track Luminary Who Won Four Olympic Gold Medals, Dies at 96,” Washington Post, November 16, 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/harrison-dillard-us-track-luminary-who-won-four-olympic-gold-medals-dies-at-96/2019/11/16/a8d7b33e-086c-11ea-8ac0-0810ed197c7e_story.html.
  19.  One hundred days before the 1948 Olympics, Bob Mathias’ high school coach, Virgil Jackson, pushed Bob into considering the decathlon. He had never thrown a javelin, run hurdles at Olympic height, pole vaulted, thrown a sixteen-pound shot put or competed in either the 400 or 1,500 meters. On his second day of Olympic competition, his third decathlon ever, Mathias began in third place. Bushnell’s reported the day “was marked by rain and gloomy weather which made for a heavy track and sodden runways.” Mathias competed for over twelve hours from 10:00 AM to 10:30 p.m. Officials had to use flashlights to illuminate his runway and the crossbar for his pole vault and to show the outline of his javelin take off. They lost his discus throw mark had spent time finding it. After winning the 1948 gold medal, fighting through rain, cold, mud, hunger, and hazing from his older competition, seventeen-year-old Bob Mathias said he would not compete in the 1952 Olympics if someone paid him a million dollars. Tassin, Bob Mathias: The Life of the Olympic Champion, 24-51, (see chap. 16, n. 5). “Bob Mathias Makes History by Winning the Decathlon at Just 17!” International Olympic Committee, July 29, 1948, https://olympics.com/en/news/bob-mathias-athletics. Ward Haylett, Thane Baker’s coach, supervised the 1948 gold medal effort of Bob Mathias. Bushnell, Report of the United States Olympic Committee 1948 Games, (see chap. 8, n. 8), 98-100. Mathias earned the 1948 Sullivan Award. “AAU Sullivan Award–Past Winners,” (see chap. 2, n. 1).
  20. Associated Press, “He’s Taking No Chances,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, July 14, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  21. Diet advice for 1952 athletes does not comply with current guidelines, Boldt, “Daily Meal Plans,” (see chap. 16, n. 7).
  22. Some athletes found it difficult to sleep without darkness. United Press, “Athletes’ Sleeping Habits Disrupted by MidnightSun,”Spokane (WA), July 11, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. For actual sunrise and sunset times, please see “Helsinki, Finland–Sunrise, Sunset, and Daylength, July 1952,” timeanddate.com, accessed November 7, 2020. https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/finland/helsinki?month=7&year=1952. The moon had been full only two days prior. Calendar–12, “Moon Phases July 1952,” accessed February 13, 2020, http://www.calendar-12.com/moon_calendar/1952/july. Mashburn, interview, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 15).
  23. Finnish organizers planned for only an art exhibit. Then, they decided on an art competition like previous Olympics. Finally, they went back to the art display. Kolkka, Official Report, 110, 220, (see chap. 15, n. 1). Page 14 of the program lists an advertisement for this exposition. July 25, 1952. “XV Olympia Helsinki 1952: Yleisurheilu, Athletisme, Athletics, Fri-Idrott; Olympiastadion, Helsinki, Helingfors; Perjantai, Vendredi, Friday, Fredag; Päiväohjelma, Programme Journallier, Daily Programme, Dagsprogram,25.7,” Programme Office of the Organising Committee for the XV Olympiad, (1952), 4-6. The Finnish Organizing Committee printed the daily Olympic programs in the four languages of these games, Finnish, French, English, and Swedish. Kolkka, Official Report, 67, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  24. Avery Brundage (President, United States Olympic Association) to All Members of the United States Delegation to the Games of the XV Olympiad, July 7, 1952, private collection.
  25. Otis and Elizabeth Chandler ed., “Brutus Hamilton,” Quotes, Goodreads, accessed November 23, 2019, https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/1537691.Brutus_Hamilton.
  26. Thane Baker did not realize until he saw the developed photograph that the photographer posed Thane in front of the Coca-Cola stand.
  27. Bob Busby, “U.S. in Workouts,” Kansas City (MO) Times, July 10, 1952, https://newspapers.com.

Notes to Chapter 18 Old Friends

  1. Robert Leroy “Bobby” Bickle, born March 27, 1929, in Hoisington, Kansas, spent a few years of his childhood in Elkhart, Kansas, where he met Thane Baker. By 1948, Bickle no longer lived in Elkhart and won the lightweight Golden Gloves competition in Kansas City. “Hit That Bell, George; Everything Set for Golden Gloves Tourney: Strongest Field in Many Years on Opening Card Monday,” Hutchinson (KS) News, January 30, 1949, https://www.newspapers.com. Bobby had lightweight victories in the 1951 Chicago Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions and Intercity Golden Gloves. BoxRec: Boxing’s Official Record Keeper, s.v. “Bobby Bickle,” last modified January 5, 2010, 23:25, https://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Bobby_Bickle. In June 1952, Bobby won the Featherweight division of the Olympic Boxing Tryouts held at Kansas City Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri. Featherweight boxers weighed less than 125 pounds, 10 ounces, 9 drams. In the Olympics, Bobby competed as a Lightweight, with a maximum weight of 132 pounds, 4 ounces, 7 drams. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 158-160, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). Bobby Bickle won his first round but lost in the second round on points to the eventual gold medalist, A. Bolognesi, of Italy. In his chapter, “Boxing,” Donald Wood of Great Britain reported Americans won five of the ten boxing events in Helsinki. He also complained that multiple bells in different rings confused people, even on the third day of boxing. Wood felt “too many officials stopped boxing, when a quick word would have sufficed.” He complained the European judges, who far outnumbered non-European officials, “generally favour the aggressor in preference to the boxer.” Cecil Bear, ed., Official Report of the XVth Olympic Games, (London: World Sports, official publication of the British Olympic Association, August 1952), 46-48. Harold Abrahams, winner of the Paris Olympics 100 meters in 1924 and made famous in the movie Chariots of Fire, wrote the introduction to this book edited by Cecil Bear. Hugh Hudson dir., Chariots of Fire, written by Colin Well and starring Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, and Nicholas Farrell, 1981. Thane also recalls that Bobby told him he broke a hand in Olympic competition. Bobby turned professional and fought from October 1952 to October 1958 with forty victories, 28 by knockout, 11 losses with no knockouts, and 2 draws. BoxRec: Boxing’s Official Record Keeper, s.v. “Bobby Bickle,” accessed April 7, 2020, https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/32439. Olympedia, OlyMADMen, ed. s.v. “Robert Leroy “Bobby” Bickle,” accessed June 21, 2022, http://www.olympedia.org/athletes/8619. Bobby Bickle, a military veteran, died in May 1974 of a heart attack while caring for a family member. J. J. Maloney, “Bob Bickle Champion of Courage,” Kansas City (MO) Times, May 29, 1974, https://www.newspapers.com.
  2. Everett Wareham supported Kansas State athletics in the early 1950s. Towers interview, (see chap. 8, n. 3). His family contributed to the development of Manhattan, Kansas. Harry Wareham established a sewer system in 1913, a telephone system, a theater, an ice company, and a six-story hotel skyscraper begun in 1925. Renowned for its elegance and artistry, the hotel now has a restaurant on the first floor, “Harry’s,” with apartments above. “History,” Harry is, accessed April 6, 2020, https://harrysmanhattan.com/history.html.
  3. The July 1951 flood in Manhattan, Kansas, brought seven feet of water inside the Wareham Hotel. The author recalls seeing the line on the hotel wall where the flood waters crested. In June 1951, Ward Haylett drove several of his athletes, including Thane Baker and Dick Towers, to compete in meets on the west coast. From there, he led another group of athletes to Japan. Ward Haylett asked Thane and Dick to drive his new 1951 Lincoln back to Manhattan for him, drop athletes off at their homes along the way, and leave the car downtown at Stubblefield–Schoonover’s garage. Thane and Dick volunteered to take it to Ward’s house, but he declined. Thane and Dick left the car downtown, and the 1951 flood waters covered it. “Flood Scenes in Manhattan Kansas,” Kansas Memory, Kansas Historical Society, https://www.kansasmemory.org/item/308290. Towers, Interview, (see chap. 8, n. 3). Manhattan Mercury, “Stubblefield-Schoonover Coming Back with Plans for Expansion,” August 9, 1951, www.newspapers.com.
  4.  “Thane Baker, who tied the world indoor record in the 60-yard dash and was the Big Seven outdoor champion in the 100 and 200 meters, as well as the indoor 60 and 440-yard champion, spoke on ‘Sports to Me’ at the Wareham Hotel.” “Athletes Will Be Honored,” Manhattan Mercury-Chronicle, April 16, 1952. https://www.newspapers.com. When Thane Baker set the record in the 220 yards, Kansas State gave Thane a commemorative gold track shoe approximately three centimeters long. The shoe had six little spikes on the bottom, fourteen grommets, metal laces tied in a metal bow, and a diamond in the toe. A jeweler had engraved both sides and the bottom with his accomplishment and the year. Private collection.
  5. In a letter held in a private collection and dated April 16, 1952, Don Biggs (Outgoing President, Student Council) invited Thane Baker and other newly elected student council members to dinner. “Council Meets, Elects Walker,” Manhattan (KS) Mercury-Chronicle, April 22, 1952.
  6. Between July 9-19, 1952, Thane Baker found Bobby Bickle in the Olympic Village, and Everett Wareham came to the gate to meet Thane. These events may not have happened on the first day that Thane arrived. The author used artistic license to place them both in chapter eighteen.

Notes to Chapter 19 The Team Gathers

  1. Details on the Olympic uniform found in Bushnell’s Olympic Book, 262, (see Notes for Opening Material, n. 10). Thane Baker and Bob Richards (see chap. 11, n. 1) recall a red, white, and blue woven belt, and not a blue leather belt as published in Bushnell. Thane Baker’s 1952 Olympic belt is on loan to the Morton County Museum. Becky Ellis, Director of the Morton County Museum, resolved this question. The belt had two rows of red, a thin row of white, and two rows of blue. Old Spice, (see chap. 14, n. 18).
  2. Gustavus T. “Gus” Kirby, President Emeritus of the United States Olympic Committee, led the United States delegation to the flag raising ceremony on July 12, 1952. The Soviets in Otaniemi had their own flag raising events. Kolkka, Official Report, 93, (see chap. 15, n. 1). Photographs of the United States team before and during the ceremony exist in Bushnell, Olympic Book, 35, 248, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). The cadets raised the flags in this photograph while Finnish fans watched from behind the fence. “Flags flutter at the Olympic Village of the Helsinki Olympic Games, Photograph by UA Saarinen, Finnish Heritage Agency, https://www.finna.fi/Record/museovirasto.996BCC3E2A7303D769A58946B1095FC9. Associated Press, “U.S. Olympic Team Raises Flag Today,” Athol (MA) Daily News, July 12, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. Associated Press, “350 American Athletes Set for Olympics: Raise Flag Over U.S. Village Today; Bob Richards Injured; Start on July 19,” Record (Hackensack, NJ), July 12, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. The weather changed. Kolkka, Official Report, 220, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  3. Associated Press, “Hamilton Wants Wins for Present,” Spokane (WA) Daily Chronicle, Sports, July 19, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  4. In the Olympic Book edited by Bushnell, page 227 shows the weightlifters posing before the flags, and page 199 reveals the modern pentathletes. The track and field team photograph covered pages 72-73, (see Notes for Opening Material, n. 10).
  5. Beginning at 24:40, an “Honor Role: Armed Forces Participants” begins scrolling, which lists the eighty members of the United States military who belonged to their Olympic team. The Closing Ceremony plays in the background. Charlie Dean, 1952 Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland, (see Notes to Opening Material, n. 17). In 1948, Mal Whitfield earned the first gold medal by an active duty servicemember. Miller, “Three-Time Olympic Track Champion Mal Whitfield, (see chap. 17, n. 17.)
  6. The planning for the Opening Ceremonies began in 1951. The rehearsal took place on Friday, July 18, 1952. Kolkka, Official Report, 31, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  7. Kolkka, Official Report, 221, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  8. Norman Cudworth Armitage had bachelor’s degrees in art, science, and chemical engineering from Columbia. He earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence from New York University focusing on patent law. He served in the Navy during World War II and became vice-president of Deering Milliken, a textile company. He competed as a fencer on the United States Olympic team from 1928 until 1956. In both 1952 and 1956, he carried the United States flag during the Opening Ceremonies. “Norman Armitage, Fencing Star and Textile Executive, Dies at 65,” New York Times, March 15, 1972, https://timesmachine.nytimes.com. He won a bronze medal in 1948, for men’s saber team fencing. “Norman Cohn-Armitage: Biography,” International Olympic Committee, accessed August 22, 2021, https://olympics.com/en/athletes/norman-cohn-armitage. Newspaper writers in Helsinki stated that Martin Sheridan introduced the idea that the American “flag dips to no earthly king” in 1948. Red Smith, “Views of Sport,” Philadelphia Inquirer, July 20, 1952. https://www.newspapers.com. However, in 1908, the first year the American flag probably did not lower to King Edward VII, Martin Sheridan, while present at those Olympic Games, did not carry Old Glory. Documents from 1908 do not include Sheridan’s supposed words. If Martin Sheridan said what history attributed to him, he did so “very privately.” Mallon, M.D., Dr. Bill and Ian Buchanan, “To No Earthly King…….: The United States Flag-Bearing Incident at the 1908 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony,” Journal of Olympic History, September 1999, http://isoh.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/99.pdf.
  9. Photographs on page 57 and 66 in Bushnell’s Olympic Book show the word Yhdysvallat, which is the Finnish word for the United States of America, (see Notes for Opening Material, n. 10). That is the sign the Americans marched behind during the Opening Ceremonies.
  10. Female competitors practiced at Eläintarha Field. Kolkka, Official Report, 81. Kolkka supplies a list of countries who took part in the “March Past” on221. Planners allocated one hour for this event. Kolkka, 238. The Official Report planned for two exits from the stadium. Kolkka, 31. Some competitors did not board the buses fast enough prior to the Opening Ceremony. Kolkka,101. (For all references to Kolkka, Official Report, see chap. 15, n. 1).
  11. Bushnell reports the crowds and shows pictures of the opening games in his Olympic Book on page62, (see Notes for Opening Material, n. 10).
  12. This YouTube video shows the crowds walking into the stadium between 1:21 and 1:51. “Helsinki Summer Games 1952 Olympics Opening Ceremony,” (see chap. 15, n. 13).

Notes to Chapter 20 The Opening Ceremony

  1. The Official Report states, “Rain had begun to fall already in the forenoon while the public was streaming into the Stadium and the teams were assembling on Eläintarha Field. Occasional heavy showers continued into the afternoon.” Kolkka, Official Report, 220, (see chap. 15, n. 1). Marjorie Larney, another 1952 Olympian, describes the “pouring rain” and the “steady rain” along with being “chilled to the bone, my jacket, hat and skirt soaked clear through.” “A Flying Javelin: Marjorie Larney,” Irish America, August/September 2008, https://irishamerica.com/2008/08/a-flying-javelin-marjorie-larney/. Pages 220-242 of the Official Report show the weather, as do various videos cited later in this chapter.
  2. Bushnell’s Olympic Book shows the team marching toward the stadium on pages 57 and 66, (see Notes for Opening Material, n. 10). Neil Zigler, an American spectator in the stands who traveled to Helsinki on the first Track and Field News Tour, reported that when the small South Korean delegation entered the stadium, the crowd exploded with enthusiasm for their country beleaguered by war. Neil Zigler, interview by author, October 7, 2022.  
  3. The Marathon gate sat on the east side of the stadium, close to the end of the southern curve. For those familiar with the athletic track, the Marathon gate stood near the 1,500-meter start. Beginning at :20, a widescreen shot shows Olympians entering the stadium. “Helsinki Opening, Track and Pool–Opening Ceremony and Torch Lighting 1952,” British Pathé, featuring Reuters Historical Collection, filmed July 19, 1952, 3:41, https://www.britishpathe.com/video/oly12-helsinki-opening-track-and-pool-opening-ceremony-and-torch-lighting/query/Games+Open+1952. An audio recording of the Opening Ceremonies exists, although the narrator does not speak English. The sounds of the music and crowd swell. The speakers greet all in multiple languages, including English, and open the ceremonies. The listener hears the crowd when Paavo Nurmi arrives, and the choir sings. An interruption occurs, then the archbishop prays in Latin. Finally, the choir sings again. “Helsingin olympiakisojen avajaiset: ‘Rauhanenkeli’ ja Nurmi olivat Helsingin Olympia-avajaisten vetonauloja,” Opening Ceremony, recorded July 19, 1952, Olympic Stadium, Helsinki, Finland, Elävä Arkisto audio, 44:15, https://yle.fi/aihe/artikkeli/2008/06/05/rauhanenkeli-ja-nurmi-olivat-helsingin-olympia-avajaisten-vetonauloja.
  4. The photograph on page 57 shows the United States delegation marching behind the Yhdysvallat sign. Bushnell, Olympic Book, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10).
  5. Vietnam delegation. Kolkka, Official Report, 221, 236, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  6. Margaret Larney said, “When our flag entered the stadium the roar that went up from the crowd was like a rolling wave of thunder.” “A Flying Javelin,” (see chap. 20, n. 1). At 3:45 in the video narrated by Charlie Dean, the American flag enters the stadium. The viewer observes the American contingent. Charlie Dean, 1952 Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland, (see Notes to Opening Material, n. 17). This clip constitutes part of the larger video produced to recognize the accomplishments of the Armed Forces in the Olympics. Army Master Sergeant Stewart Queen hosted “US Veterans in the Olympics–1952 Helsinki Finland Summer Olympic Games,” Big Picture–Your Army in Action, produced by Signal Corps Pictorial Center, presented by United States Army, 1952, YouTube video, 28:33, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX6xffQat24&t=347s. Both Bushnell and Kolkka display photographs of Norman Armitage holding the American flag high instead of dipping it. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 43, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). Kolkka, Official Report, 236, (see chap. 15, n. 1), and Norman Armitage, (see chap. 19, n. 8). The International Olympic Committee shows the same photograph on its website at the bottom of the page. On July 20, 2021, the International Olympic Committee changed the previous Olympic Motto to “Faster, Higher, Stronger-Together” or Citius, Altius, Fortius-Communiter. “The Olympic Motto,” International Olympic Committee, accessed August 22, 2021, https://olympics.com/ioc/olympic-motto. The Soviet flag did not lower in homage either. Smith, “Views of Sport,” (see chap. 19, n. 8).
  7. The following video illustrates Olympians marching: “Helsinki Summer Games 1952 Olympics Opening Ceremony,” beginning at 2:38. (see chap. 15, n. 13). The videographers filmed in color. The voice over is not in English.
  8.  The March Past took 56 minutes. Kolkka, Official Report, 238, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  9. Erik von Frenckell, chair of the Organizing Committee, spoke first. His speech began in Finnish, moved to Swedish, French, then English. Kolkka, 238-239, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  10. The International Olympic Committee lost their official flag twice. The original flag disappeared in 1920 when Antwerp, Belgium, hosted the games. In 1997, Hal Haig Prieste, a bronze medalist in platform diving from the Antwerp games, solved the mystery of the missing flag. Back in 1920, one of Prieste’s fellow Olympians had dared him to climb the flagpole and steal the flag, which he did. He had kept the flag. Prieste returned the flag and received a plaque for his generosity. Daven Hiskey, “The First Olympic Flag Went Missing for 77 Years after the 1920 Games until a 1920 Olympian Revealed He’d Had It in His Suitcase the Whole Time,” Today I Found Out: Feed Your Brain, August 4, 2012, www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2012/08/the-first-olympic-flag/. After the Olympic flag went missing in 1920, the Belgian Olympic Committee presented a new satin flag to the International Olympic Committee. The new flag flew over the Olympics of Paris 1924, Amsterdam 1928, Los Angeles 1932, and 1936. World War II halted the games for twelve years. After the war, finding the Olympic flag proved challenging. The British Army discovered the Olympic flag in a bank vault in Berlin in time for it to fly over the games in 1948. Margaret Whittemore, “Olympic Games Prove That Rivalry Between Nations Need Not Mean War: Symbol of Modern Version of Ancient Contests, Five Interlinked Rings, Was Devised by Baron De Coubertin to Indicate Sporting Bonds Among Five Continents–This Year’s Meet at Helsinki the Fifteenth Olympiad Since 1896,” article written in unknown newspaper published in the Kansas City, Kansas, or Missouri area in 1952, private collection. London passed the “Antwerp” flag of 1920 to Helsinki during the Closing Ceremony of the 1952 Olympics. In turn, Helsinki shared it with Melbourne at the close of the 1956 Games. Vesa Tikander, email to author, (see chap. 16, n. 4). The “capture the Olympic flag” tradition continued at the 1952 Olympics. Two United States Olympians borrowed two bicycles that belonged to the US Olympic Cycling Team. They rode the bikes from Käpylä Olympic Village to downtown Helsinki. There, they “confiscated” two decorative Olympic flags (not the official flag from inside the stadium) from two flag poles by cutting their halyards. The two mischievous athletes rode the bikes back to the village, replaced the bikes where they had found them, and secreted the flags into their luggage. The author hopes that riding the competition bikes over dirt, brick and cobblestone streets did not affect the bikes’ ability to perform in Olympic competition. This interview with 1952 Olympic athlete conducted in confidentiality, and the name of the interviewee withheld by mutual agreement.
  11. Two thousand five hundred birds launched at once. Kolkka, Official Report, 240, (see chap. 15, n. 1). Aarre Merikanto wrote the music for the 1952 Olympic Fanfare. An audio recording is here. Areena Audio, “Aarre Marannon Olympic Fanfare-Helsinki Garrison Bandjoht. Martti Herantainen,” https://areena.yle.fi/audio/1-61705454.
  12. The Olympic torch traveled 7870 kilometers by airplane from Olympia, Greece, making it the first Olympic torch to fly. The torch relay touched down in Denmark and proceeded north through Sweden. In Tornio, Finland, this flame joined another flame kindled by the Midnight Sun at Pallastunturi, in Lapland, to symbolize unification of the northern and southern peoples. Runners, walkers, bicyclists, rowers, paddlers, and people on horseback carried the flame. One fourth of the population of Finland, whether as carriers, witnesses, or followers, involved themselves in its journey. Kolkka, Official Report, 103-105, 204-219, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  13. The identity of the torchbearer, who would carry the Olympic torch into the stadium, remained a secret until the last possible moment. The Finns gave the honor to Paavo Nurmi but had to persuade him to take the job. “Paavo Nurmi Lights the Olympic Flame at the Opening Ceremony,” 1952 Summer Olympics, Photographs, Urheilumuseo, https://www.urheilumuseo.fi/en/photographs/. Paavo Nurmi arrived at the stadium with the Olympic torch that had traveled from Greece, but a guard refused him admission because he did not have a ticket. Stadium officials soon clarified the issue to allow Nurmi to enter and light the Olympic Torch. United Press, “With Torch but No Card, Nurmi Couldn’t Get In,” New York Times, July 23, 1952, https://timesmachine.nytimes.com. Nurmi entered the venue on time to the minute. Kolkka, Official Report, 219, (see chap. 15, n. 1). Nurmi, (see chap. 15, n. 22).
  14. In “Helsinki Summer Games 1952 Olympics Opening Ceremony,” Nurmi enters the stadium at 6:29, (see chap. 15, n. 13 and n. 22). Charlie Dean introduces Paavo Nurmi at 4:37. Charlie Dean, 1952 Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland, (see Notes to Opening Material, n. 17).In “Helsinki Opening, Track and Pool–Opening Ceremony and Torch Lighting 1952,” a movie camera placed high on the north side of the stadium captured the Olympians running across the field to see Paavo Nurmi on the back stretch. As soon as Nurmi passed, the competitors turned and ran to the other side to watch him again, (see chap. 20, n. 3). Helsinki 1952 Olympic Torch, Sports Museum of Finland, accessed October 16, 2020, https://www.urheilumuseo.fi/en/exhibition/3d-objects/.
  15. Dean Smith recalls watching the Olympic flame go round and round the tower as runners carried it higher. Smith, interview, (see chap. 10, n. 5). Marjorie Larney, a fifteen-year-old javelin thrower in the 1952 Olympics, tells a charming story of meeting Hannes Kölehmainen, who lit the Olympic flame at the top of the tower. Marjorie Larney, “A Flying Javelin,” (see chap. 20, n. 1). Kölehmainen won four gold and one silver Olympic medal in the 1912 and 1920 Olympics. “Hannes Kölehmainen: Biography,” International Olympic Committee, accessed August 22, 2021, https://olympics.com/en/athletes/hannes-kolehmainen. Kölehmainen’s three gold medals in Stockholm at the 1912 Olympics encouraged the Finnish people in their quest for independence from the Russian Empire. “Hannes Kölehmainen (1889-1966),” Hall of Fame of Finnish Sport, Urheilumuseo, https://www.urheilumuseo.fi/en/exhibition/hall-of-fame-of-finnish-sport/.
  16. Barbara Rotbraut-Pleyer, a German “Peace Apostle,” and law student wished to address “all nations of the world.” Her second name was actually “Rotraut.” She jumped over the barrier at Stand C and ran to the podium in front of the grandstand. The Chairman of the Organizing Committee escorted her from the field to the authorities. Pleyer had planned to speak in seven languages, taking almost thirty minutes of time. In summary, she wished to end all wars, guarantee democracy everywhere, and preserve freedom and equity. The International Society of Olympic Historians published a comprehensive article about her interesting life. Volker Kluge, “The ‘Peace Angel of Helsinki’ Wanted to Save the World,” Journal of Olympic History, 25, no. 1 (2017): 6-8, 16. http://isoh.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/314.pdf. To hear her speak, listen to this video clip at 3:10. “Helsinki 1952 Olympic Games Open,” Gaumont–British News, British Pathé, featuring Reuters Historical Collection, July 21, 1952, 3:54, https://www.britishpathe.com/video/VLVA44FPAZHE6CFCEFHO61YN4A398-1952-HELSINKI-OLYMPIC-GAMES-OPENING-CEREMONY/query/Games+Open+1952.
  17. A contemporary account states that before Barbara Pleyer said, “Ladies and Gentlemen,” she first addressed the crowd in German, which translated to “Friends of mine.” “Mystery Woman Invades Games,” United Press, Pantagraph (Bloomington, IL), July 20, 1952. https://www.newspapers.com. Red Smith reported she tried to say friends in Finnish. He presented an elegant and humorous description of Barbara’s gate crashing of Opening Ceremonies. Smith, “Views of Sport,” (see chap. 19, n. 8). The Peace Angel offers her greeting at 28:46 before officials remove her. Elävä Arkisto, “Helsingin olympiakisojen avajaiset,” (see chap. 20, n. 3).
  18. The archbishop said his prayer in Latin. The Olympic choir and spectators sang the Finnish national anthem. Kolkka, Official Report, 240, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  19. The author saw the marks on the grass where the flagbearers stood in a photograph found on page 2. XV Olympische Sommerspiele 1952–1 Teil, Expedition Der Kölnischen Zeitung (Cologne, Germany), purchased in August 1952.

Notes to Chapter 21 Dinner in the Restaurant Tent

  1. Dean Smith, (see chap. 10, n. 5).
  2. Clyde Littlefield had surgery in Finland and remained there to recover after the United States Olympic team left Helsinki. Smith, Cowboy Stuntman, 65-66, (see chap. 10, n. 5). Thane Baker collected autographs from all the track and field athletes and coaches in the 1952 Olympics. Coach Littlefield wrote in Thane’s autograph book.

To a great fellow

Clyde Littlefield

Coach

USA

The University of Texas

  • On film, the author saw a smartly dressed Andy Stanfield, (see chap. 14, n. 34), in the stands during the Opening Ceremonies at 2:01 minutes into the video. “Helsinki Summer Games 1952 Olympics Opening Ceremony,” (see chap. 15, n. 13).
  • Gourdine reported that in Finland, Andy Stanfield and he used to party with the locals. Afterwards, they climbed over the fence to return to the Olympic Village late at night and slept all day. They missed the team workouts and meetings but would exercise by themselves late in the afternoon. Then, they would do the same thing all over again the next night. Gourdine, tape recordings, (see chap. 16, n. 19).

Notes to Chapter 22 First Two Preliminary Heats

  1. The wet weather continued. Allison Danzig, “United States Takes Four Track and Field Tests Before 55,000 at Olympics: Remigino Wins 100 in Blanket Finish,” New York Times, July 22, 1952, https://timesmachine.nytimes.com.
  2. H. D. Thoreau, “How Good Are Russian Athletes? Soviet Russia Has Been Characteristically Loud in Its Pre-Olympic Claims of What Its Athletes Can Do. Here an Olympics Expert Tells You How the Russian Athletes Really Compare to Those of the United States and Other Nations,” The Saturday Evening Post, July 19, 1952, 26-27, 87-89. On page 27 of the same magazine,William O’Brien produced five cartoons with captions that suggested the Russians received assistance in achieving their records. For example, a boat pulled a swimmer and Soviet coaches launched a broad jumper using a slingshot.
  3. Robert Powell provides an interesting narration of the 1952 100-meter final. The Fastest Men on Earth, Episode 12 of 20, “1952–Helsinki,” Thames Television 1988, YouTube video, 6:52, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmgTQJBokr4. Remigino argued with the officials after learning he won the gold medal. He told them McKenley deserved it. Danzig, “United States Takes Four,” (see chap. 22, n. 1). Will Grimsley, “Remigino Is Cinderella of Olympics with Sprint Win,” Associated Press, Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, July 22, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. Dean Smith describes his 100-meter race against Remigino. On the Line, Season 1, Episode 4, “Helsinki 1952–The Fastest Cowboy Stuntman to Ever Compete in the Olympics,” Olympic Channel video, 7:54, https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/original-series/detail/on-the-line/on-the-line-season-season-1/episodes/helsinki-1952-the-fastest-cowboy-stuntman-to-ever-compete-in-the-olympics/. The two best 100-meter sprinters from the United States in 1952 were Jim Golliday, whose injuries prevented him from making the Olympic team and Art Bragg, who faced injury during the preliminary heats. That left American’s Lindy Remigino and Dean Smith in the 100-meter final. Remigino had never won a major 100-meter race before the finals of the 1952 Olympics. Will Grimsley, “Olympic Team Did Okay: But What Would Have Happened If First Team Had Been Ready?” Associated Press, Morning Call (Allentown, PA), August 6, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. Frank Litsky, “Lindy Remigino, Olympic Champion Runner, Is Dead at 87,” Obituaries, New York Times, July 12, 2018, https://www.nytimes.com.
  4. Omega provided electronic timing of the 1952 Olympic athletic events with their Racend Omega Timer, however, the I.A.A.F. (International Amateur Athletic Federation or International Association of Athletics Federations, now known as World Athletics) had not “officially sanctioned” results from this machine. Thus, officials timed all races by hand. Fortunately, the officials accepted the Omega camera, which captured running results. The camera sat in a small room on the roof over the grandstand. Officials had results within 90 seconds. Kolkka, Official Reports, 71-73, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  5. Rule 23 of the 1952 version of the Official Track & Field Rules of the National Collegiate Athletic Association states, “The Finish Line shall be a line on the ground drawn across the track from finish post to finish post, and the men shall be placed in the order in which any part of their bodies (i.e., ‘torso,’ as distinguished from the head, arms, feet or hands) reaches such line.” H.D. Thoreau ed., 1952 Official NCAA Track and Field Guide: The Official Rules Book and Record Book of College Track & Field, (New York: National Collegiate Athletic Bureau, 1952), 139.
  6. The City of Helsinki provided starting blocks for the competitors, but Thane recalls the Americans used their own blocks. Kolkka, Official Report, 76, (see chap. 15, n. 1). The United States Olympic Committee recognized the problem created by requiring their athletes to share starting blocks and gave each 1956 Olympic sprinter and hurdler their own set of blocks. Author observed a set of blocks issued to a 1956 Olympian.
  7. “Time-table for Track and Field Competitions” found on page 266 of the Official Report edited by Kolkka, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  8. Kolkka informs the reader about the first two heats, “200 Metres,” Official Report, 271-272, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  9. Bob Busby, “Thane Baker Two Steps Nearer to Winning Gold Medal in Olympics,” Kansas City Star, July 22 or 23, 1952, private collection.

Notes to Chapter 23 Intermission with Dean Smith

  1. Dean Smith, interview, and Dean Smith. Cowboy Stuntman, 61-62, (see chap. 10, n. 5).
  2. International Soundphoto, “Art Bragg Wins 100 Meters Olympic Final,” Modoc County Record (Alturas, CA), July 3, 1952, https://newspapers.com. Associated Press, “Moore Beats Russian in 400 Hurdles to Top 40 Thrilling Minutes,” Evening Star (Washington D.C.), July 21, 1952, https://newspapers.com. In 1948, the United States won gold in the 4×100-meter relay with a time of 40.6. “4x100M Relay Men,” Athletics, London-1948, International Olympic Committee, https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/london-1948/results/athletics/4x100m-relay-men. “Jesse Owens,” Athletes, International Olympic Committee, https://olympics.com/en/athletes/jesse-owens.
  • Kolkka, “Time-table for Track and Field Competitions,” 266, (see chap. 15, n. 1). Cecil Bear reported how the Olympians placed in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters. Santee placed thirteenth out of fourteen in Heat 2 of the Men’s 5,000 meters. Bear, Official Report of the XVth Olympic Games, 22-23, (see chap. 18, n. 1).
  • United States Olympic Committee, United States Olympic Track and Field Squad 1952. This yellow, two-page document listed all the 1952 Olympic Track and Field athletes with their address as of June 1952.

Notes to Chapter 24 Intermezzo with Other Olympians

  1. Bob Richards, interview, (see chap. 11, n. 1).
  2. Bushnell’s Olympic Book stated the competition lasted four and a half hours on page 105, (see Notes for Opening Material, n. 10). The Official Report claimed the event lasted close to six hours on page 258, (see chap. 15, n. 1). A New York Times article dated July 23, 1952, explained that Bob Richards had already been vaulting for four and a half hours when he won the competition. However, he still had three more vaults at 15’1” to chase a higher Olympic record. The event started at 3:00 p.m. not counting the previous warmup time. Another source claimed Richards finished his last jump at 7:40 p.m. Associated Press, “U.S. Wins Three Titles in Track; Kelly Ousted,” Philadelphia Inquirer, July 23, 1952, https://newspapers.com. “Whitfield, Iness and Richards Triumph but Soviet Keeps Olympic Point Lead: U.S. Sets 2 Marks, Stays in 2D Place,” New York Times, July 23, 1952, https://timesmachine.nytimes.com. In the early 2000s, participants in the pole vault event had the most catastrophic injuries of the track and field events. The 1952 Olympians landed on sawdust. When considering that safety features have improved since that time, the author speculates that the potential for pole vault injuries may have caused the 1952 competition to be more dangerous than other contests of the time. In 1952, pole vaulters did not go as high as they do today, rendering the sport safer for those earlier competitors. Paul Steinbach, “Catastrophic Injuries Pull Focus on Field Event Safety,” AthleticBusiness.com, December 2008, https://www.athleticbusiness.com/athlete-safety/catastrophic-injuries-intensify-focus-on-safety-at-field-eevents.html. “Zwischen Himmel und Erde,” XV Olympische Sommerspiele 1952, 36-37, (see chap. 20, n. 18). The author translates the article title as “Between Heaven and Earth,” XV Olympic Summer Games 1952.
  3. “George Frank Mattos: Biography,” International Olympic Committee, accessed July 11, 2022.
  4. Bob Richards performed his gold medal winning jump. After his final attempt, he hugged, kissed, and jumped for joy at :47. “1952 Olympic Games,” Milestones of the Century, Pathé News, filmed July 1952, released 1960, YouTube video, 3:12, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYH1Vf5YZoI. Bob Richards, (see chap. 11, n. 1). Kolkka, Official Report, 261, (see chap. 15, n. 1). Richards spoke to the author about his good relationship with his Soviet competitors.
  5. Ps. 150.
  6. Richards, Heart of a Champion, 120, (see chap. 11, n. 1).
  7. Isa. 40:31.
  8. Bear, Official Report of the XVth Olympic Games,15, (see chap. 18, n. 1).
  9. Associated Press, “Olympic Vault Winner Wants to Keep After World Record,” Spokesman-Review (Spokane, WA), July 23, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  10. Dr. Samuel Lee, a United States Army Major serving in Korea, took a month off from the war to train and earned his second Olympic gold medal in platform diving. He also had a bronze medal on the 3-meter springboard from 1948. “Samuel Lee: Biography,” International Olympic Committee, accessed August 22, 2021, https://olympics.com/en/athletes/sammy-lee#b2p-athlete-olympic-results. Karen Brigsby Bates, “Sammy Lee Climbed above Racism, Dove into Olympic History,” CODE SW!TCH: Race, in your Face, National Public Radio, December 5, 2016, 7:38 p.m. EST, https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2016/12/05/504421352/sammy-lee-climbed-above-racism-dove-into-olympic-history. Photographs of Sammy Lee’s performances are in Bushnell, Olympic Book, 126, 130, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). While Sammy Lee qualified for the 3-meter springboard, he did not compete at that level in 1952. However, other Americans took first, second, and third in that event. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 125, 132, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). Video of Sammy Lee’s dive begins at 2:46 in “1952 Olympic Games,” (see chap. 24, n. 4). Sammy Lee earned the Sullivan Award in 1953. “AAU Sullivan Award–Past Winners,” (see chap. 2, n. 1). Patricia Henry Yeomans, “Sammy Lee: Oriental from Occidental,” Journal of Olympic Historians, (May 2002): http://isoh.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/61.pdf. Sammy Lee signed Thane’s autograph book.

℞

Good Health

Sammy Lee, M.D.

  1. Mrs. Patricia McCormick, TeamUSA Hall of Fame member, earned four Olympic gold medals. Her first two arrived from both 3-meter and platform diving in 1952. The next two golds in 1956 came eight months after the birth of her son. Her husband, John, earned AAU championships in both 1950 and 1951 in diving. Their daughter earned Olympic medals in 1984 and 1988 on the 3-meter springboard. “Patricia McCormick: Biography,” International Olympic Committee, accessed August 22, 2021, https://olympics.com/en/athletes/patricia-mccormick. Bushnell’s Olympic Book (see Notes for Opening Material, n. 10) has pictures of Pat McCormick diving on page 140. The AAU awarded Pat McCormick the Sullivan Award in 1956. “AAU Sullivan Award–Past Winners,” (see chap. 2, n. 1). Bob Richards, (see chap. 11, n. 1). Pat McCormick also contributed the Thane’s book.

You Sweet

Thing–What

a great Team we had.

With Love & Hugs

Pat McCormick

Unlike the warm feelings she had for Thane, Pat McCormick did not like Avery Brundage, the president of the United States Olympic Committee and future president of the International Olympic Committee for the next twenty years. She and three other girls asked a U.S. Olympic Committee member to stand guard while they raided Avery Brundage’s room and stole his underwear. The four then put on their official Olympic dress uniform, marched to a nearby flagpole, and hoisted the “flag” of Avery Brundage’s boxer shorts. They saluted professionally in front of witnesses. About the time people figured out the nature of the flag, the women “got the heck out of there.” Karen Rosen, “Olympic Champ Pat McCormick Still Up to Her Old Tricks, TeamUSA, October 15, 2012, https://www.teamusa.org/News/2012/October/15/Olympic-Champ-Pat-McCormick-Still-Up-To-Her-Old-Tricks.S

  1. “Zwischen Himmel und Erde,” 36, (see chap. 20, n. 19). “Olympic Vault Winner Wants to Keep After World Record,” (see chap. 24, n. 8 and chap. 11, n. 1). Peter Denisenko of the Soviet Union lifted Bob Richards in the air with a bear hug. “Whitfield, Iness and Richards Triumph but Soviet Keeps Olympic Point Lead: U.S. Sets 2 Marks, Stays in 2D Place” (see chap. 24, n. 2).
  2. Harrison Dillard spoke of the long coats worn by the escorts of the Soviet athletes. The Americans joked, but perhaps believed, the Soviet companions were really the Secret Police. Hanson, “Harrison Dillard,” (see chap. 11, n. 4).
  3. Time, “Sport: The Strength of Ten,” (see chap. 16, n. 21). Bob Mathias’s face was on the front cover of Time Magazine on July 21, 1952. The article mentioned that Bob Mathias received many scholarship offers from colleges because of his Olympic gold medal in the 1948 Decathlon while in high school. His father, a doctor, had the money to pay for Bob’s college and declined them all on Bob’s behalf. “I wanted Robert to go to school with no strings attached. They should give the scholarships to boys who can’t afford to pay their own way.” Mathias attended Stanford.
  4. Powell, Fastest Man – 1952, (see chap. 22, n. 3).
  5. Polio paralyzed both legs and the right arm of Walter “Buddy” Davis during his childhood, which prevented him from walking for three years. Later, he trained in ballet to improve his athletic abilities. After the Olympics, Buddy played professional basketball. “Walter ‘Buddy’ Davis, Born: January 5, 1931, in Beaumont, Texas,” Museum of the Gulf Coast, https://www.museumofthegulfcoast.org/buddy-davis. Buddy Davis earned the first gold medal of the 1952 Olympics. “Davis, Moore Shatter High Jump, Hurdle Records–Texan Gives U.S. First Olympic Victory,” Stars and Stripes: Unofficial Publication of the U.S. Armed Forces in Europe, Olympic Souvenir Edition, August 1952. His winning jump is at 1:00. “1952 Helsinki Olympic Games: Opening competitions,” filmed July 20, 1952, British Pathé, YouTube video, 1:46, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQKf9VIrAK8. This video shows the techniques used by high jumpers in 1952. “Helsinki Olympics Various Events–Slow Motions High Jumps 1952,” filmed July 20, 1952 by Hawkins, British Pathé, https://www.britishpathe.com/video/oly12-helsinki-olympics-various-events-slow-motion-high-jumps/query/1952+world+record. For his gold medal win in the 1968 Olympics, Dick Fosbury relied on the method of high jumping that athletes use today known as the “Fosbury Flop.” Rather than the “scissor jump,” “straddle,” or “western roll” used before him, Fosbury used his engineering skills and went over the high jump backwards. “Fosbury Revolutionizes High Jump in Mexico 1968 Olympics,” the Olympics on the Record, presented by Bridgestone, Olympic Channel video, 4:23, https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/original-series/detail/the-olympics-on-the-record/the-olympics-on-the-record-season-season-1/episodes/fosbury-revolutionises-high-jump-in-mexico-1968/.
  6. Simeon “Sim” Garland Iness weighed 260 pounds at 6’6”. Jim Marshall, “Sim Iness,” IMDb, accessed June 15, 2020, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0408592/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm. Sim Iness and Bob Mathias went to the same high school. Mathias recalled that Iness always had a guitar and sang country songs. Bob Mathias said, “I’ll always remember Sim as a good fine friend, and a great competitor, and a great athlete, and a great champion.” After the 1952 Olympics, their small town of Tulare, California, (pronounced Too-Lar-ry with the accent on the second syllable) had a parade for their two Olympic gold medalists. “A Tribute to Sim Iness staring Bob Mathias,” BobMathiasDecathlon, YouTube video, 6:46, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9a3uuBAYi0. Associated Press, “Iness, Richards, Whitfield Lead Yanks–Break or Equal Three Records: Iness Wins Discus; Richards the Vault, Whitfield the 800.” Spokesman–Review (Spokane, WA), July 23, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. A video of his winning throw survives. “Sim Iness–1952 Olympic Gold Medalist–World Record Holder–Discus Thrower,” iammotivated, YouTube video, :48, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJxst0HJEWA. “Interview with Sim Iness,” YouTube video, 2:01, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgfCPi3w9i0. Leo H. Petersen, “U.S. Ace Breaks Discus Record: USC’s Sim Iness Betters Mark 3 Times; Richards Cops Pole Vault Crown,” Press Democrat, (Santa Rose, CA), July 22, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. Author’s note: Asa Bushnell in his Olympic Book points out that Sim Iness set the Olympic record in the 1952 Olympics, but as of his 1953 publication, Fortune Gordien held the world record for lofting the discus. 103, (see Notes for Opening Material, n. 10). Jim Dillon of the United States earned a bronze medal in the discus. Unlike other contestants, Jim had his USA warmup top embroidered with his name, “Jim.” He contributed to Thane’s autograph book.

To the best

Jim Dillon

Alabama Poly

Discus Bronze Medal

174’10”

  1. “Moore Best Bet to Win,” (see chap. 10, n. 31). Moore, Running on Purpose, 5, 8, 48-49, 52-53, (see chap. 12, n. 4). Moore interview, (see chap. 14, n. 32). Yoder interview, (see chap. 14, n. 2). Bushnell, Olympic Book, 95-96, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). Charlie Moore instituted the 13-step run between each hurdle, which is how most athletes run the 400-meter hurdles today. In his words, “I was 6 feet tall, cut high, and felt I was chopping between hurdles at 15 steps. I would do that for seven or eight hurdles, then cut back to 15…. You’re getting tired and you might hit a hurdle….” The Soviets wanted proof during practice that Charlie took 13 steps between the hurdles. They brought a broom, sweep the track to make it smooth, then counted the divots Charlie made as he ran to verify that he only took thirteen steps between hurdles. Karen Rosen, “91-Year-Old Olympic Gold Medalist Charles H. Moore Jr. Is Running His Final Lap with Purpose,” TeamUSA, September 15, 2020, https://www.teamusa.org/News/2020/September/15/91-Year-Old-Olympic-Gold-Medalist-Charles-H-Moore-Jr-Is-Running-His-Final-Lap-With-Purpose.
  2. Harrison “Bones” Dillard said he and Jack Davis (see chap. 17, n. 18) were the “two best 110-meter hurdle runners in the world at that time.” Dillard, Bones, chap. 10, (see chap. 11, n. 4). Jack Davis beat Harrison Dillard in the 110-meter hurdles by about a yard at the Olympic Carnival in New York. Associated Press, “J. Davis Upsets Dillard in 110s,” Spokesman-Review (Spokane, WA), July 7, 1952, https://newspapers.com.
  3. Fredricka Whitfield, “My Dad, Marvelous Mal,” November 22, 2015, CNN video, 6:17, https://www.cnn.com/2015/11/22/opinions/whitfield-marvelous-mal/index.html. Whitfield, (see chap. 17, n. 17). Red Smith, “Helsinki, July 22,” Views of Sport, Philadelphia Inquirer, July 23, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. “Iness, Richards, Whitfield Lead Yanks–Break or Equal Three Records,” (see chap. 24, n. 17).
  4. Chuck Sexauer, “Alone He Wants to Be,” Innocent Bystander, Valley Times (North Hollywood, CA), July 23, 1952.

Notes to Chapter 25 The Semi-Finals

  1. The author inspected an athletic competition uniform from the 1952 Olympics held in a private collection.
  2. Allison Danzig reported the midday weather at “2 U.S. Trackmen Win, But Soviet Still Leads,” New York Times, July 24, 1952, https://timesmachine.nytimes.com.
  3. “XV Olympia Helsinki 1952: Yleisurheilu – Athletisme – Athletics – Fri-Idrott, Olympiastadion, Helsinki – Helsingfors, Keskiviiko, Mercredi, Wednesday, Onsag, Päväohjelma, Programme Journalier, Daily Programme, Dagsprogram, 23.7,” Programme Office of the Organising Committee for the XV Olympiad, (1952), 9.
  4. Kolkka’s Official Reports lists the 110-meter hurdle heats and times on page 294. Researchers may find the information for the 200-meter semi-final race on page 274, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  5. Different body types for different athletes have developed in the last century. Martin Bingisser, “The Perfect Physique for Throwing,” HMMR Media, November 14, 2013, https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2013/11/the-perfect-physique-for-throwing/.
  6. Distance runners, such as steeplechase runners, are lean and lightweight. “Infographic: Body Shapes by Sport,” Sports Medicine, Health Beat, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, https://share.upmc.com/2015/07/infographic-body-shapes-by-sport/. Javelin throwers need full body muscle strength, including legs, arms, and torso. Crystal Welch, “The Role of Bones, Joints & Muscles for the Javelin Throw,” SportsRec, July 8, 2011, https://www.sportsrec.com/364336-the-role-of-bones-joints-muscles-for-the-javelin-throw.html. Yet, Cy Young, at 6’5” and Bill Miller at 5’9” won the first ever javelin gold and silver medals for the United States. Danzig, “2 U.S. Trackmen Win, But Soviet Still Leads,” (see chap. 25, n. 2).
  7. Emmanuel McDonald Bailey, born August 12, 1920, emigrated from Trinidad to compete for Great Britain in the 1948 Olympics where he earned sixth in the 100 meters (behind Harrison Dillard’s gold medal in that event). In 1951, Bailey tied Jesse Owen’s 10.2 second, 100-meter world record, “which he and Owens would hold jointly for five more years.” He earned his Olympic bronze medal in 100 meters, tying Lindy Remigino’s winning time in the 1952 Olympics. He served as a member of the Royal Air Force before returning to Trinidad in 1963. Bailey passed away on December 3, 2013. “BOA Honours Achievements of Sprinter Emmanuel McDonald Bailey,” British Olympic Association, December 9, 2013, 12:03, https://www.teamgb.com/news/boa-honour-achievements-sprinter-emmanuel-mcdonald-bailey. Cordner Nelson, “200 Meters,” Special Olympic Edition, Track and Field News, August 1952, 3.
  8. Kolkka, Official Report, 274, (see chap. 15, n. 1).

Notes to Chapter 26 Final Preparations

The following is a list of Thane Baker’s competitors in the 200-meter final:

These three international competitors competed in the 1948 London Olympics in addition to the 1952 Helsinki Olympics:

  1. Emmanuel McDonald “McDonald” or “Mac” Bailey, Great Britain, born December 8, 1920. “Emmanuel McDonald Bailey,” International Olympic Committee, accessed August 22, 2020, https://olympics.com/en/athletes/emmanuel-mcdonald-bailey#. Mac Bailey measured 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed 143 pounds. (See chap. 25, n. 6).
  2. Geraldo Bönnhoff, Argentina, born June 24, 1926. A German newspaper reported that Bönnhoff had been born in Germany. Expedition Der Kölnischen (Cologne, Germany) Zeitung, “Stanfield Auf Jesse Owens Spuren,” 35, (see chap 20, n. 18). In 1945, Bönnhoff competed in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the 100 meters as a German citizen. In 1947, he changed his name to Geraldo Bönnhoff and became an Argentine citizen, which allowed him to compete for Argentina in the 1948 Olympics. (The International Olympic Committee prohibited Germany and Japan from competing in the 1948 Games.) Bönnhoff weighed 127 pounds and his body measured 5’6” in height. Olympedia, OlyMADMen, ed. s.v. “Geraldo Bönnhoff,” accessed June 6, 2020, http://www.olympedia.org/athletes/64399. Many Nazis from Germany went to Argentina after World War II. Christopher Minster, “Why Argentina Accepted Nazi War Criminals after World War II,” History & Culture, ThoughtCo., updated January 22, 2020, https://www.thoughtco.com/why-did-argentina-accept-nazi-criminals-2136579. However, Bönnhoff, arrived in Argentina as a ten-year-old in 1936 before World War II. Wikipedia, s.v. “Geraldo Bönnhoff,” last modified December 28, 2020, at 2:09 UTA, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerardo_B%C3%B6nnhoff. Eva Péron, the extremely popular wife of the Argentine president, died during the 1952 Olympic Games. The team from Argentina mourned during an outdoor Catholic Mass held in the Olympic Village. Bonnhoff may have attended. Kolkka, Official Report, 91, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  3. Leslie “Les” Alphonso Laing, Jamaica, born February 19, 1924, or 1925. Laing also ran for Fresno State. 64th Annual United States Track and Field Championships, 24 (see chap. 10, n. 15). Les Laing stood just under 5 feet 5 inches and weighed 121 pounds. Olympedia, OlyMADMen, ed. s.v. “Les Laing,” accessed June 16, 2020, www.olympedia.org/athletes/72300.

From the United States, Jim Gathers and Andy Stanfield participated for the United States team and had prior college and military experience:

Notes to Chapter 27 The Olympic Race

  1. “Wednesday Daily Programme,” XV Olympia Helsinki 1952, 14, (see chap. 25, n. 3).
  2. Andy Stanfield (see chap. 14, n. 34) had a leg injury in the 1951 track season. Bushnell, “200-Meter Dash,” Olympic Book, 81, (see Notes for Opening Material, n. 10). The fast starts required by the 100 meters hurt Andy Stanfield’s leg, causing him to focus on the 200 meters. Ted Smits, “Young Brings U.S. 1st Javelin Crown in Olympics: Stanfield Leads American Slam in 200 Meters; 5 Marks Broken,” Associated Press, Elmira (NY) Advertiser, July 24, 1952, https://newspapers.com.
  3. Associated Press, “America’s Three Speedsters Planned 200 Race That Way,” Elmira (NY) Advertiser, July 24, 1952. https://newspapers.com.
  4. The Olympic officials all wore brown wool gabardine jackets with an emblem on their breast pocket. Under that, they had a beige shirt with a green tie. Their grey hat and light shoes completed their uniform. Kolkka, Official Report, 64, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  5. Attendance on July 23, 1952, the day of the 200-meter final, equaled 62,680 spectators. Kolkka, Official Report, 169, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  6. Eight thousand Finns worked the Olympic Games; five thousand volunteered. “Workmen were present to smooth every mark made on the track.” Bushnell, “Track and Field Championships,” in Olympic Book, 78, (see Notes for Opening Material, n. 10).
  7. “The 200 metres final was run in Helsinki with a following wind along the home straight of a velocity of 1 metres/sec.” Kolkka, Official Report, 250, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  8. In “200 Metres,” written by Harold Abrahams of Chariots of Fire fame, the reader learns the starting order of runners. The writer reports “a perfect start.” At fifty meters, Stanfield had made up much of the stagger against Bailey, who was even with Gathers and Baker. Bear, Official Report of the XVth Olympic Games,15, (see chap. 18, n. 1).
  9. Bailey (see chap. 25, n. 6) held an excellent position in the beginning, but Stanfield (see chap. 14, n. 34) came off the curve in the lead, with Baker in close pursuit. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 81, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10).
  10. Gathers (see chap. 14, n. 33) passed Bailey (see chap. 25, n. 6) thirty yards before the finish line. Nelson, “200 Meters,” Track and Field News, 3, (see chap 25, n. 6).
  11. Thane Baker is on the left in this video, beginning at 1:01. The camera captures an excellent view of the start and the curve. “Helsinki 1952 The Olympic Games: Latest Events,” Gaumont-British Newsreel, British Pathé, July 28, 1952, https://www.britishpathe.com/video/VLVA956CUFKBZPDZZ32RCNGAFUMMA-1952-HELSINKI-OLYMPIC-GAMES-LATEST-EVENTS/query/British+Games+1952.
  12. Thane Baker had number 984. Jim Gathers (see chap. 14, n. 33) in lane six wears 985. Andy Stanfield (see chap. 14, n. 34) bears number 983.
  13. The 200 meters race claims from 5:41 until 6:32 of this video. Thane Baker is not visible at the beginning, but comes into view running in lane seven, closest to the stands. Dean, 1952 Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland, (see Notes to Opening Material, n. 17).
  14. The August 1952 Olympic Souvenir Edition of the Stars and Stripes reports Thane exerted a “tremendous burst of speed to come on for second.” “200-Meter, Javelin Titles Won by U.S.–Stanfield Leads to Tape; Young’s Toss Takes Crown,” 9, (see chap. 24, n. 15). “History of the Olympic Results: 200 Meters–Men,” Track and Field News, https://trackandfieldnews.com/olympic-results/history-of-olympic-results-200-meters-men/.
  15. Page 82 of Bushnell’s Olympic Book (see Notes for Opening Material, n. 10) displayed the finalists from the front. The same picture from the back showed the athletes arm in arm on page 35 of Expedition der Kölnischen (Cologne, Germany) Zeitung, “Stanfield Auf Jesse Owens Spuren,” (see chap. 20, n. 18).
  16. “Wednesday Daily Programme,” XV Olympia Helsinki 1952, 15 (see chap. 25, n. 3).
  17. Andy Stanfield (see chap. 14, n. 34) and Jim Gathers (see chap. 14, n. 33) had changed out of their spikes into their flat, running shoes. Dean, 1952 Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland, (see Notes to Opening Material, n. 17).
  18. A shortened version of the fanfare played before each medal presentation. Kolkka, Official Report, 106, (see chap. 15, n. 1). Page 67 of Bushnell’s Olympic Book (see Notes for Opening Material, n. 10), presents a full-page photograph of a Finnish woman in traditional dress holding the Olympic medals. The Finnish Olympic Committee followed a schedule for awards. Kolkka, Official Report, 77, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  19. Prior to the Rome Olympics in 1960, winners did not receive medals to wear around their necks. “All Medals,” International Olympic Committee, accessed August 22, 2021, https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/olympic-medals.
  20. Stan Burnette, “Thane Baker Relates Olympic Experiences: Finishing Second in Dash Is a “Great Thrill” for Kansan,” Manhattan (KS) Mercury–Chronicle, September 3, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. Tears welled in Thane Baker’s eyes whenever he heard the Star- Spangled Banner for decades after his Olympic experiences.
  21. United Press, “Token of Greatness,” Here ‘n’ There at Games, Salt Lake (UT) Telegram, July 22, 1952, evening edition, https://www.newspapers.com. At 3:20 in the video, a Finnish woman in national costume presents flowers to women runners. Notice the bow of the presenter. “Helsinki Olympics Various Events–Men’s Discus, Men’s Pole Vault, Men’s 100 Meters, Women’s 200 Meter 1952,” filmed July 20-July 25, 1952, British Pathé, 3:49, https://www.britishpathe.com/video/oly12-helsinki-olympics-various-events-mens-discus-mens-pole-vault-mens-100-meters-womens-200-meters/query/1952+world+record.
  22. “Thane Baker, Andrew Stanfield and Jim Gathers at the Summer Olympics in Helsinki 1952,” Sports Photos, Summer Olympics, 1952 Helsinki, Urheilumuseo, accessed August 7, 2020, https://verkkokauppa.urheilumuseo.fi/en/sports-photos/summer-olympics/helsinki-1952/thane-baker-andrew-stanfield-and-jim-gathers-at-summer-olympics-in-helsinki-1952.html.

Notes to Chapter 28 Surrounded by Reporters

  1. Meredith “Flash” Gourdine stated on tape that Andy Stanfield, (see chap. 14, n. 34), wanted to smoke in the stadium after his last race, but Coach Hamilton would not permit it until Andy moved out of sight of the spectators. Mr. Hamilton worried young people who watched Andy would seek to emulate his smoking. (See chap. 16, n. 19). Thane Baker recalled Andy often sat on the side of the track after a race and smoked.
  2. Associated Press, “America’s Three Speedsters Planned 200 Race That Way,” (see chap. 27, n. 3).
  3. Dean, 1952 Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland, (see Notes to Opening Material, n. 17).
  4. Andy Stanfield, (see chap. 14, n. 34), Jim Gathers, (see chap. 14, n. 33), and Brutus Hamilton (see chap. 17, n. 3) comments in the text taken from quotes they made to news reporters on July 23, 1952.
  5. Associated Press, “200–Meter Winners Had It Planned,” Shreveport (LA) Journal, July 24, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. “Sprinters Happy Over 1-2-3 Finish in 200,” Sports, Deseret News (Salt Lake City, UT), July 23, 1952.
  6. Smits, “Young Brings U.S. 1st Javelin Crown in Olympics: Stanfield Leads American Slam in 200 Meters; 5 Marks Broken,” (see chap. 27, n. 2).
  7. Oscar Fraley, “Meter Winners Say–Not Surprised at Victory,” United Press, Scranton (PA) Tribune, July 24, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  8. Associated Press, “America’s Three Speedsters Planned 200 Race That Way,” (chap. 27, n. 3).
  9. Fraley, “Meter Winners Say–Not Surprised at Victory,” (see chap. 28, n. 7).
  10. Dick O’Malley, “Had a Lot of Confidence in Stanfield – Hamilton,” Elmira (NY) Advertiser, July 24, 1952, https://newspapers.com.
  11. The 1952 Olympics marked the third time that the United States won first, second, and third in the 200 meters since the modern Olympics began. They also claimed sweeps in 1904 and 1932. “Athletics-200 Metres, Men,” Olympedia, accessed August 10, 2021, https://www.olympedia.org/event_names/41.
  12. Bob Busby, “Thane Baker, Like Cunningham, Brings Honor to Elkhart, Kas.–The Fleet Kansas State Dash Man Says He Ran All Out but Was Fresh at End of Second Place Finish in the 200-Meter,” Kansas City (MO) Times, July 24, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. Burnette, “Thane Baker Relates Olympic Experiences,” (see chap. 27, n. 20).
  13. Elkhart (KS) Tri-State News, “Thane Baker Second in 200 – Meter Run,” July 25, 1952.

Notes to Chapter 29 A Surprise Visitor

  1. Children performing curtseys and bows for autographs are visible at 9:56 in video. “Helsinki Summer Games 1952 Olympics Opening Ceremony,” (see chap. 15, n. 13).
  2. Jody Haylett Billings said her father would not consider himself fully dressed unless he had a clipboard in his hand. He never went anywhere without it. Billings, interview, (see chap. 10, n. 33).
  3. Nelson, “200 Meters,” 3, (see chap. 25, n. 6).
  4. University Travel Service, Join Jack Weiershauser Track Coach at Stanford University at the Olympic Games and Visit Europe in ’52, (pamphlet, Palo Alto, CA: n.p.,1952.) Note: The original printing stated, “Join Al Masters Director of Athletics at Stanford University.” However, someone marked through the name and title of Al Masters with a fountain pen and replaced it with Jack Weiershauser and his title. Neil Zigler traveled with the Track and Field News Tour. Both Zigler and Haylett sat high in the stadium near the start of the second curve on the track, where the 200 meters started. Both stayed in private homes. Zigler said he slept with a group of eight and had breakfast in the home. Zigler traveled and enjoyed time with Dean Cromwell, retired University of Southern California coach and head track and field coach of the 1948 Olympics. Bushnell, XIV Olympiad, London, Report, (see chap. 8, n. 8), p. 71, and Ziegler, interview (see chap. 20, n. 2).
  5. United States Olympic Committee, Information and Instruction for Members and Officials of the United States Olympic Team, (see chap. 14, n. 21).
  6. Ward Haylett to Mr. & Mrs. W. Baker, postcard, August 12, 1952, private collection.
  7. “Thane Baker Wins Firsts in Big Seven Meet,” Elkhart (KS) Tri-State News, March 7, 1952. “Ability to Relax Big Factor in Baker’s Success,” Manhattan (KS) Mercury, April 11, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  8. “Cat Harriers Fun Wild, Gym Team Closes Season,” Kansas State Collegian, March 31, 1952.
  9. Nick Kominus, “Baker’s Last 10 Yards Was Fastest Ever, Haylett Says,” Manhattan newspaper, approximately 1951-1953.
  10. Both Jesse Owens and Mel Patton earned Olympic gold medals in the 200 meters and ran it in 20.7. “Jesse Owens Competes the Hat-Trick with 200M Win,” News, International Olympic Committee, August 5, 1936, https://olympics.com/en/news/jesse-owens-completes-the-hat-trick-with-200m-win. “Mel Patton,” International Olympic Committee, https://olympics.com/en/athletes/melvin-emery-patton. Wikipedia, s.v. “Mel Patton,” last modified December 18, 2019, 19:00, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mel_Patton.
  11. As he prepared to retire from coaching, Ward Haylett said that seeing Thane Baker and the two other Americans on the victory stand at Helsinki was the greatest thrill of his career. Haylett said he treated each athlete as if he were his own son and spoke of his desire to create “real men” and defined that term. Emeritus Professors, KSU’s Centennial Year, K-Stater, June 1963, Socolofsky, “Ward Haylett Chronology,” October 28, 1993, and “Ward Haylett (1895-1990), a Biographical Sketch,” Vertical Files, (see chap. 8, n. 4).
  12. Cutler, “The Second Guesser,” (see chap. 16, n. 20).
  13. “Thane Baker Breaks 220 Record–Shot Put Toss Erases Localite’s (word unavailable),” Manhattan (KS) Daily Tribune, May 18, 1952.
  14. University Travel Service, Join Jack Weiershauser Track Coach at Stanford University at the Olympic Games and Visit Europe in ’52, (see chap. 29, n. 4).
  15. “Haylett in Manhattan; Readies for Olympics,” Manhattan (KS) Mercury – Chronicle, July 2, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  16. “Thane Baker Wins Second in Olympic Finals,” Elkhart (KS) Tri-State News, July 25, 1952.
  17. Oren Campbell, “Baker Overcomes Inexperience to Lead Big Seven Sprinters,” Kansas State Collegian, February 21, 1952.
  18. “Fraction off Record: Baker Second in Finals,” Manhattan (KS) Mercury, July 23, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  19. As of the date of this writing, the metal from Thane Baker’s 1945 injury is still under his knee.

Notes to Chapter 30 After the Race

  1. A video of the gold medal eight-man crew plays at 9:45. Dean, 1952 Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland, (notes to Opening Materials, n. 17).
  2. Associated Press, “Navy Eight Scores Over Soviet Crew: Extends U. S. Olympic Streak to Seven Straight–Rutgers Pair Defeats Belgians,” July 24, 1952, https://timesmachine.nytimes.com. Allison Danzig, “2 U.S. Trackmen Win, But Soviet Still Leads,” (see chap. 25, n. 2). No one expected the Soviets, in their first Olympics, to earn a silver medal. Posey, The Olympic Century, Volume 13, location 568 of 5928, (see chap. 17, n. 14). For an interesting account of the American victory in the Eight with Coxswain Men Rowing at the 1936 Olympics, please read Daniel James Brown’s book, The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, New York: Penguin, 2013. Thane obtained the autograph of Tom Price. Price, a first-year student at Rutgers, began rowing six months before the 1952 Olympics and sat in a pair-oared shell for the first time only two months before the Games. Still, he and his partner earned a gold medal in the coxless pairs event. Olympedia, OlyMADMen, ed. s.v. “Tom Price,” accessed June 26, 2020, http://www.olympedia.org/athletes/40839.

Thane

The Best of luck

Tom Price

Rowing ‘52

  • Burnette, “Thane Baker Relates Olympics Experiences,” (see chap. 27, n. 20).
  • “The Americans and the Australians are insistent that (a cause of their victory) is partly food–for over two generations they have had a better diet and more meat.” Philip Noel-Baker, M.P. Commandant of the British Olympic Team, “Good Feeling at the Games,” (London) Observer, August 3, 1952, www.newspapers.com. Noel-Baker felt the “chief disadvantage” of the British team “is the grave lack of adequate facilities for sport. We have not given physical training its proper place in education. We have only begun to take sports to the people, as the Finns, the Americans, the Russians, and the Germans have done.”
  • Loewen, “Sundown Towns,” and “Sundown Towns: Racial Segregation Past and Present,” (see Notes to Opening Material, n. 20). The author observed a photograph of 1952 American Olympians eating together at table regardless of race. The track shoes placed on the table add character to the photograph. “Helsingin Olympialaiset 1952. Search: 1952,” Helsinki Kuvia.FI, accessed August 7, 2020, https://www.helsinkikuvia.fi/search/details/?image_id=hkm.HKMS000005:km0000mrcq.
  • Veryl Switzer competed in track and football from 1951 to 1953. Thane Baker said if not for the football and basketball players joining track in the spring, K-State may not have had a track team. Veryl Switzer was the Big Seven Indoor Long Jump champion in 1952. Along with his three track letters, Switzer earned three football letters, which brought him two years of second team All-American and one year of first team All-American in his senior year. That year, he also led the nation in punt returns, co-captained the West team in the East/West Shrine Bowl, and earned the title of runner up for their MVP. The Green Bay Packers drafted him; he was the fourth player picked overall in 1954. In his rookie year, he led the NFL in punt returns. After a stint in the Air Force, then the Canadian Football League, Veryl Switzer returned to Kansas State holding leadership roles in administration until his retirement in 1999. Veryl Switzer joined Ward Haylett and Thane Baker as members of the inaugural class of the Kansas State Hall of Fame in 1990. “Veryl Switzer,” K-State Athletics Hall of Fame, Accessed August 22, 2021, https://www.kstatesports.com/honors/k-state-athletics-hall-of-fame/veryl-switzer/13. Bill Felber, “Greatest 8 Athletes in the Spotlight Again,” Manhattan (KS) Mercury, October 7, 1990. The author met Veryl Switzer during his induction into the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame and on May 16, 2021, in the home of Dick Towers.
  • Hotel discrimination faced by members of the Kansas State College track team in the early 1950s was not unique. Charlie Moore told the author when the track team from Cornell competed in Washington, D.C., the first hotel they visited refused to allow Flash Gourdine to stay in their establishment because of the color of his skin. The Cornell team left and found another that accepted all of them. Moore, interview, (see chap. 14, n. 32). The Green Book helped some athletes of color find a place to eat or sleep. Victor H. Green, Negro Traveler’s Green Book, (New York: Victor H. Green, 1956), http://docshare01.docshare.tips/files/29589/295899232.pdf. The Smithsonian Channel produced a documentary about these travel difficulties in The Green Book: Guide to Freedom. The Smithsonian, in collaboration with Candacy Taylor and through the generosity of ExxonMobil, also created a traveling exhibit about the Green Book beginning in October 2020. https://negromotoristgreenbook.si.edu/. Some schools, such as the University of Texas, did not allow athletes of color to take part in their meets. In 1956, the University of Texas permitted students of color to enroll. “Precursors,” History of Integration, Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, University of Texas, accessed February 13, 2021, https://diversity.utexas.edu/integration/the-precursors/. However, in 1950, the Supreme Court ruled that Heman Marion Sweatt, a man of color refused admission to the University of Texas School of Law, could attend law school there. Sweatt v. Painter, 339 U.S. 629 (1950). Sweatt enrolled in the fall of 1950. “1950: A Wider Embrace,” History, The University of Texas at Austin, accessed May 5, 2021, https://www.utexas.edu/about/history. By 1957, athletes of color from other universities could compete in the Texas Relays, but not University of Texas students. “1957–9 Scores at Nationals Coach Littlefield SWC Champions and 3rd at the NCAA Championships,” 1921-1961 Clyde Littlefield, Track Men’s, Texas Longhorn Sports History, accessed February 13, 2021, https://www.texaslsn.org/track-mens-clyde-littlefield-1921-1961. In 1965, the first man of color earned a varsity letter in track at the University of Texas. “James Means,” Timeline, History of Integration at the University of Texas at Austin, Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, https://diversity.utexas.edu/integration/timeline/. The University of Texas integrated their football team in 1970. “Intersection of Athletics and Race on the 40 Acres,” The History of Integration at the University of Texas at Austin, Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, November 18, 2014, https://diversity.utexas.edu/integration/2014/11/the-intersection-of-athletics-and-race-on-the-40-acres/.
  • When the Kansas State track team traveled together, some restaurants would not allow them to eat in their establishment because of the skin color of some members. Dick Towers, Thane Baker’s teammate and eventual Athletic Director at Kansas State University, recalls one incident in Kansas City. The Kansas State track and field team wanted to go to a particular restaurant to eat. Johnny Caldwell, one of their team members of color from Kansas City, said, “They don’t serve our kind here.” Towers replied, “What do you mean ‘our kind?’ What kind?” The team went inside, but the restaurant refused to seat them. The Kansas State team then went to the Kansas City Muehlebach Hotel instead and had “the best steak dinners.” Towers, interview, (see chap. 8, n. 3). The Honorable Jerry Mershon, another track team member from the early 1950s, tells of when the team stopped at a greasy-spoon restaurant outside of Lawrence, Kansas. The owner told the team that he would provide bag lunches for the non-white members, which they could eat in the car, but not in his restaurant. One of the white Kansas State track members fought with the owner about his policy and grabbed the owner by the throat and shoved him against the wall. His team members pulled him off the owner and ran back to the car. They drove away as fast as they could, terrified that the local sheriff might stop them. Mershon, interview, (see chap. 9, n. 1).
  • Associated Press, “Olympic Medal Birthday Present for Young–Miller, Ex-Tempe Ace, Got Off His Best Toss for 2nd,” Arizona (Tucson) Daily Star, July 24, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. Richard Sandomir, “Cy Young, Only American to Win Gold in Javelin, Is Dead at 89,” New York Times, January 11, 2018, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/11/obituaries/cy-young-only-american-to-win-gold-in-javelin-is-dead-at-89.html. Associated Press, “Hamilton Explains U.S. Showing: ‘Everybody Wants to Get in on Act.’ San Francisco Examiner, July 24, 1952. Only three Americans have won Olympic medals in the javelin, Cy Young and Bill Miller earned gold and silver in 1952. William Schmidt earned a bronze in 1972.
  • Thane collected signatures from staff who served the American Men’s Track and Field Team.

To Thane Baker

For the fondest

memories of a most

memorable trip

Pincus Sober

New York

C.C.N.Y.

1926 (City College of New York)

Fordham Univ. 1929

(Chairman of the Men’s Track and Field Committee And Assistant Manager)

Best wishes always to a

great fellow. Nice going Thane.

Chic Werner (Penn State)

One of the coaches ‘52

Congratulations to a mighty fine athlete and a sterling

gentleman. May you have

continuing success in your future years.

Larry Houston

Assistant Manager

Los Angeles, Calif.

Congratulations on your success on

the Olympic team. It has been

a pleasure to work with you and

we will meet again.

Ken Howard

Trainer A.P.I.

Auburn, Alabama

To Thane Baker–a wonderful guy to

have along on the greatest Olympic Team

ever fielded by the United States.

Harold Berliner, Assistant Manager

Helsinki, Finland

San Francisco

When your pains and aches

be sure and think of

Eddie Wojecki Trainer

Rice Institute Houston Texas. Eddie Wojecki made a significant impact at Rice University and for athletics in Houston. Melissa Kean, “Eddie Wojecki,” Rice History Corner: Gleanings from the Rice University Archives, October 23, 2013, https://ricehistorycorner.com/2013/10/24/eddie-wojecki/.

Ike Hill

Trainer

U of Illinois

  1. The United States finished the javelin first with Cy Young, second with Bill Miller, and ninth with Franklin “Bud” Held. Everyone expected the Finnish competitors to win this event. Since an American had never won the Olympic javelin before Helsinki, Bushnell called this first and second place “the most astonishing of all the American field victories.” Bushnell, Olympic Book, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). Held, interview, (see chap. 11, n. 5.). International News Service, “Finland’s Sun Fools American Athletes,” Minneapolis Star, July 11, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. Associated Press, “Games Results: Track-Field, Men, Javelin Final,” San Francisco Examiner, July 24, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.

Notes to Chapter 31 Spectator in the Stands

  1. “Friday, Daily Programme,” XV Olympia Helsinki 1952, 2, (see chap. 17, n. 23).
  2. Thane Baker to Mr. and Mrs. Walter F. Baker, July 25, 1952, private collection.
  3. Thane collected the autograph of women’s 200-meter runner, Dolores Dwyer Duffy.

Good luck

& Happiness!

Dolores Dwyer Duffy

  • The United States men won the 4×100 meter relay every Olympics from 1920 until 1976 except in 1960 Rome due to a disqualification. They also earned gold medals for that relay in 1984, 1992, and 2000. “Athletics-4 x 100 metres Relay, Men: Medal Winners,” Athletics, Olympedia, https://www.olympedia.org/event_names/57. Among athletes, the term four by one is common to refer to the 4×100-meter relay. The four by four means the 4×400-meter relay.
  • Bushnell, Olympic Book, 84, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10).
  • Friday, Daily Programme, XV Olympia Helsinki 1952, 4-6, 8-9, (see chap. 17, n. 23). Friday, the decathletes ran the 100 meters, jumped the long jump, put the shot, jumped the high jump, and ran the 400 meters. On Saturday, they began with the 110-meter-high hurdles, tossed the discus, competed in the pole vault, threw the javelin, and ran 1,500 meters.
  • Floyd Simmons, bronze medalist in the Olympic decathlon in both 1948 and 1952, earned a Purple Heart serving with the 10th Mountain Division in World War II. After the Olympics, he spent a decade as an actor and stuntman for Universal, then MGM. He became a professional artist and photographer. “Floyd Macon Jr. Simmons,” Biography, International Olympic Committee, accessed August 22, 2021, https://olympics.com/en/athletes/floyd-macon-jr-simmons#b2p-athlete-olympic-results.

Thane, a real

pleasure knowing you

and being on the same team.

Floyd M. Simmons

DECATHLON

  • “Bob Mathias,” International Olympic Committee, (see chap. 17, n. 19).
  • Campbell left high school to compete on the world stage. Campbell, (Notes to Opening Material, n. 15). Here is what he inscribed in Thane’s book.

Milton

Campbell

Decathlon

Plainfield High

School

U.S.A.

10.      Bear, Official Report of the XVth Olympic Games, 30, (see chap. 18, n. 1).

11.      “US Veterans in the Olympics – 1952 Helsinki Finland Summer Olympic Games,” (see chap. 20, n. 6). The portion concerning the decathlon begins at 9:52. Shot put technique has changed since 1952. Compare the sideways hopping form of Bob Mathias’ 1952 Olympic throw at 40:51 of Harrivirta, “Muistojen kisakesä 1952,” (see chap. 15, n. 13) versus the medal winners of the 2020 Olympic shotput throwers’ rotation. “Ryan Crouser Breaks Olympic Record THREE TIMES to Win Epic Shot Put Gold in Tokyo,” NBC Sports, filmed August 5, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan, YouTube video, 5:14, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtHfAgB8nGE.

12.      Thane Baker to Mr. and Mrs. Walter F. Baker, August 4, 1952, private collection.

13.      Bushnell, Olympic Book, 74, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10).

14.      Dillard, Bones, chap. 10, (see chap. 11, n. 4).

15.      Held, interview, (see chap. 11, n. 5.).

Notes to Chapter 32 Steeplechase

  1. At 1:50, this video shows how closely together the officials worked. “Helsinki Olympics Various Events–Men’s Discus,” (see chap. 27, n. 21).
  • Moore, Interview, (see chap. 14, n. 32). Yoder, interview, (see chap. 14, n. 2). Information about the scholarship for a Finnish student to study in American, (see chap. 16, n. 13).
  • Bear, Official Report of the XVth Olympic Games, 23, (see chap. 18, n. 1). Kolkka, Official Report, 298-300, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  • Some of Bob Richards’s quotes in this chapter come from his book. Richards, Heart of a Champion, 42-43, (see chap. 11, n. 1). Additional information about Ashenfelter came from the Tribune’s Leased Wires, “Ashenfelter Goes Directly to Drill after Record Run,” Des Moines Tribune, July 23, 1952. The press gave Baker the moniker, Elkhart Express. Interview, Mershon, (see chap. 9, n.1) Pete Lightner, “The Morning After,” Wichita Eagle, July 4, 1952, www.newspapers.com. Glenn Cunningham also had the title of “Elkhart Express.” Gil Smith, “In the Sportlight,” Leavenworth Times, April 29, 1952, www.newspapers.com.
  • Official schedule for Track and Field events, Kolkka, Official Report, 266, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  •  William “Bill” Ashenfelter placed second in the 1952 Olympic Tryouts behind his brother, Horace Ashenfelter. Both competed for the New York Athletic Club. Thoreau, 1953 Official Track and Field Guide, 16, (see chap. 10, n. 18). The year before, Bill had been an AAU National Cross-Country Champion. Olympedia, OlyMADMen, ed. s.v. “Bill Ashenfelter,” accessed August 3, 2020, www.olympedia.org/athletes/78051. Bill did not complete his preliminary heat of the Olympic Steeplechase. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 97, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). Below is his contribution to Thane’s autograph book.
  • Bill Ashenfelter
  • 3000 m Steeplechase
  • Pennsylvania State College
  • 1952
  • Browning Ross finished third in the United States Olympic Steeplechase Tryouts but failed to qualify for the Olympic Finals. Bear, Official Report of the XVth Olympic Games, 23, (see chap. 18, n. 1). This is what he wrote for Thane.
  • 1952
  • Browning Ross
  • Villanova College Steeplechase
  • When two runners run side by side in a distance race, the inside runner covers a shorter distance. A runner in lane two would run about 7.67 meters per lap farther than a runner in lane one. Kurt Schuster, “What is the Distance Around a Running Track for Each Lane?” LiveStrong.com, accessed April 18, 2020, https://www.livestrong.com/article/168904-what-is-the-distance-around-a-running-track-for-each-lane/.
  • Videos of Ashenfelter’s race exist today.
    • This video honors Ashenfelter and shows the difficulty he encountered with the official blocking his way at the finish line. Ian Bowman, narr., “Horace Ashenfelter Dies at 94,” Voxipop, YouTube video, :48, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0helvn_uSwk.
    • The steeplechase began at 1:51. The photographer recorded this event from the ground under the hurdles with English narration. “1952 Olympic Games,” (see chap. 24, n. 4).
  • Page 20 shows an excellent picture of Ashenfelter dodging the official at the finish. Bear, Official Report of the XVth Olympic Games, (see chap. 18, n. 1).
  • Robert D. McFadden, “Horace Ashenfelter, Olympic Victor of a Cold War Showdown, Dies at 94,” New York Times, January 7, 2018,https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/07/obituaries/horace-ashenfelter-dead-olympic-steeplechase.html?_r=0.
  • As the date of this publishing, Horace Ashenfelter is the only American to win the Olympic 3000-meter steeplechase. James Lightbody from the US won an Olympic steeplechase in the 1904 St. Louis Games, but Lightbody ran a 2,590-meter steeplechase. Olympedia, OlyMADMen, ed. s.v. “James Davies ‘Jim’ Lightbody,” accessed July 5, 2020, http://www.olympedia.org/athletes/78697.
  •  United States male athletes have not earned many Olympic medals in distance races. The men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase has run twenty-four times. Other than Horace Ashenfelter with his 1952 gold medal, only five other American men have won medals in the Olympic steeplechase; none of them were gold: 1920-Pat Flynn, silver; 1932-Joe McCluskey, bronze; 1968-George Young, bronze; 1984-Brian Diemer, bronze; 2016-Evan Jager, silver. Olympedia, OlyMADMen, ed. s.v. “Athletics–3,000 metres Steeplechase, Men: Medals by country,” https://www.olympedia.org/event_names/54. Of note, the Olympics have included the women’s steeplechase in the last four Olympics. In 2016, Emma Coburn won a bronze medal. Olympedia, OlyMADMen, ed. s.v. “Athletics-3,000 metres Steeplechase, Women, https://www.olympedia.org/event_names/700. Most recently, Courtney Frerichs earned a silver in 2020 Tokyo. “Team USA at Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Medals, Results, and Top Moments: Silver Medalists,” Tokyo 2020, Olympic.com, accessed August 14, 2021, https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/en/news/team-usa-at-tokyo-2020-olympics-medals-results-and-top-moments. In twenty-five Olympics, one American won the 5,000 meters, Robert Keyser Schul, in 1964 Tokyo, although three other Americans earned medals at this distance: 1932-Ralph Hill, silver and 1964-Bill Dellinger, bronze. Paul Chelimo won silver in 2016 and bronze in 2020 in the 5,000 meters. Olympedia, OlyMADMen, ed. s.v. “Athletics–5,000 metres, Men: Medal Winners and Medals by country,” https://www.olympedia.org/event_names/45. Roman Stubbs, “American Paul Chelimo, with a dive at the line, wins thrilling bronze in 5,000 meters,” Washington Post, August 6, 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/2021/08/06/paul-chelimo-bronze-medal-dive/. In another distance event run in twenty-five Olympics, Billy Mills earned the only USA gold in the 10,000 meters in 1964 Tokyo. A century apart, Lewis Tewanima in 1912 Stockholm and Galen Rupp in 2012 London achieved American silver medals in the 10,000 meters. Olympedia, OlyMADMen, ed. s.v. “Athletics–10,000 metres, Men: Medal Winners,” https://www.olympedia.org/results/56642 and https://www.olympedia.org/results/302001. The United States had early successes in the marathon, which ended with the 1924 Olympics. They did not place again until Frank Shorter won the Marathon in 1972 Munich and took silver in 1976 Montreal. Mebrahtom “Meb” Keflezighi, silver in Athens 2004, and Galen Rupp, bronze in 2016 Rio, earned additional US men’s medals in the marathon. Olympedia, OlyMADMen, ed. s.v. “Athletics–Marathon, Men: Medal Winners and Medals by country,” https://www.olympedia.org/event_names/48. Matthew Futterman reports how the USA, after Shorter, fell far behind the world in distance running. He suggests Coach Bob Larsen may have rediscovered this lost art, and how Larsen led male and female Americans, Meb Keflezighi and Deena Kastor, to medals in the 2004 Athens Olympics. Futterman stresses the need for distance runners to train at altitude and to work together in a group. Coach Larsen varied the starting times for his athletes in order that they all finished their daily training at the same time. This allowed the runners to push each other at the end of their workouts. Matthew Futterman, Running to the Edge–A Band of Misfits and the Guru Who Unlocked the Secrets of Speed, (New York: Doubleday, 2019), Kindle.
  • The author inspected a photograph taken by Thane Baker’s camera, which showed Horace Ashenfelter’s Olympic results. The top seven 1952 Steeplechase runners broke the 1936 Olympic record. In 1952, because of a lack of world-wide standards. Ashenfelter did not earn a world record. Kolkka, Official Report, 298, (see chap. 15, n. 1). Page 299 of this book provides a stunning photograph of the last water jump where Ashenfelter leapt away from Kazantsev. Page 255 supplies a concise summary of the race.
  • “FBI Agent Ashenfelter Breaks Cover to Win the Steeplechase: Agents from America’s Federal Bureau of Investigation, or FBI, Normally Keep a Low Profile. But in Helsinki Agent Horace Ashenfelter Broke Cover and Grabbed the Attention of the World,” Sport Athletics, International Olympic Committee, July 25, 1952, https://olympics.com/en/news/fbi-agent-ashenfelter-breaks-cover-to-win-the-steeplechase.
  • Mk. 9:23
  • The New York Athletic Club, founded in 1868, has had participants in the Summer Olympics from 1896 to the present except for the 1980 Olympics, which the United States boycotted. Since the beginning of the Modern Olympics, the New York Athletic Club has earned 271 Olympic medals, with 151 of them being gold medals. New York Athletic Club, “Olympic History,” accessed April 28, 2021, https://www.nyac.org/olympic-history. In the 1952 Olympics, Charlie Moore and Horace Ashenfelter won Olympic gold medals. The New York Athletic Club claims Lindy Remigino, but the program for the Olympic Tryouts lists Remigino as representing Manhattan College. U.S. Olympic Souvenir Book, “Tryouts,” 47, (see chap. 8, n. 10). An injured Jim Fuchs earned bronze in the shotput. The other track and field Olympians were Curtis Stone-5,000 and 10,000 meters, Robert Backus-hammer, Fred Wilt-10,000 meters, and William Ashenfelter-steeplechase. Ashenfelter, Bill, (see chap. 32, n. 7). The Olympic Tryout program lists Sam Felton as a member of the New York Athletic Club, but the Olympic Book places Sam Felton with the United States Navy. 1952 U.S. Olympic Souvenir Book, “Tryouts,” 21,47, (see chap. 8, n. 10). Bushnell, Olympic Book, 77, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). Robert Clotworthy, N.Y.A.C. member earned a bronze medal in Springboard Diving. New York Athletic Club, “Olympic Medalists,” accessed April 28, 2021, https://www.nyac.org/olympic-medalists.
  1. “Friday, Daily Programme,” XV Olympia Helsinki 1952, 4, (see chap 17, n. 23).
  2. Horace Ashenfelter won the 1952 Sullivan Award. “AAU Sullivan Award–Past Winners,” (see chap. 2, n. 1).

Notes to Chapter 33 Emil Zátopek 

  1. When the Americans came in first, second, and third in the Men’s 110-meter Hurdles, they repeated a feat performed in 1900, 1904, 1908, 1912, and 1948. “Athletics-110 metres hurdles, men” Olympedia, accessed August 10, 2021, https://www.olympedia.org/event_names/49. Likewise, the United States took all three medals in the shotput in 1900, 1904, 1912, 1924, 1948, and 1952. “Athletics-Shot Put, Men,” Olympedia, accessed August 10, 2021, https://www.olympedia.org/event_names/80. The decathlon sweep took place only in 1936 and 1952. “Athletics-Decathlon, Men,” Olympedia, accessed August 10, 2021, https://www.olympedia.org/event_names/93. The 200-meter sweep took place in 1904, 1932, and 1952 as discussed (see chap. 28, n. 11).
  2. A few paragraphs and endnotes cannot explain the amazing life of Emil Zátopek. Several authors have authored books about his life. The author recommends readers interested in distance running study Zátopek’s life. The following article discusses Zátopek in 1948. “Emil Zatopek begins his gold haul in London,” International Olympic Committee, July 31, 1948, https://olympics.com/en/news/emil-zatopek-athletics. Kolkka presents a complete picture of Emil Zátopek’s 1952 Olympic accomplishments. Official Reports, 284-292, (see chap. 15, n. 1). Pages 252 to 255 in the same book expound on his successes in paragraph form. This German-language video shows Zátopek racing for his five gold medals. Zátopek himself narrates part of it. “Emil Zatopek–Olympic Highlights 1948-1952,” Urbsintacta, YouTube video, 8:52, 1980, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDKpIOU-sjc. See also, “Zatopek’s Sensational Gold Medal Haul,” Athletics, Olympic Channel, filmed in 1948 London, England, and 1952 Helsinki, Finland, video, 6:31, https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/video/detail/zatopek-s-sensational-gold-medal-haul/. A biopic of his life presents his five Olympic races. Will Tizard, “David Ondricek on the Long Road to Olympic Champion Biopic ‘Zatopek’.” Variety, August 20, 2021, https://variety.com/2021/film/global/david-ondricek-karlovy-vary-zatopek-1235045823/. Jesse Abramson published an article about Zátopek’s life in “The Zatopek Story,” New York Herald-Tribune, Bushnell, ed. Olympic Book, 278-279, (see Notes for Opening Material, n. 10). Great Britain’s Olympic book from 1952 also discusses his successes. Harold Abrahams, “5,000 Metres,” “10,000 Metres,” and Willy Meisl, “Marathon,” Bear, Official Report of the XVth Olympic Games, 22-25, (see chap. 18, n. 1). Bob Richards mentions Zátopek in Heart of a Champion, 44-46, (see chap. 11, n. 1). His nickname was “The Locomotive.” “Emil Zatopek: Biography,” International Olympic Committee, accessed February 16, 2020, https://olympics.com/en/athletes/emil-zatopek.https://www.olympic.org/emil-zatopek. This video shows the 10,000-meter race that Thane Baker watched on July 20, 1952, and allows the listener to hear the crowds chant Zátopek’s name beginning at :20. “1952 Helsinki Olympic Games: Opening competitions,” (see chap. 24, n. 16).
  3. This video shows the winning throw of the wife of Emil Zátopek. “Dana Ingrová Wins Women’s Javelin Gold–Helsinki 1952 Olympics,” filmed July 24, 1952, Olympic Channel, YouTube video, :35, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdegy-3qxu8. The author thanks Vesa Tikander, Researcher for the Sports Museum of Finland, for pointing out in an email dated November 5, 2020, that, unlike the title of this video, Dana Zátopkova threw the javelin under her married name in 1952. She competed in the 1948, 1952, 1956, and 1960 Olympics, where she won silver by throwing over three meters farther than her gold medal throw in 1952. “Dana Ingrova-Zatopkova: Biography,” International Olympic Committee, accessed August 22, 2021, https://olympics.com/en/athletes/dana-ingrova-zatopkova. Frank Litsky and William McDonald, “Dana Zatopkova, Champion Javelin Thrower, Is Dead at 97,” New York Times, March 13, 2020, updated March 15, 2020. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/sports/olympics/dana-zatopkova-dead.html.
  4. Christopher McDougall shares Emil Zátopek’s “infectious joy” of running in Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen, (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2009), chap. 15, Kindle. Jim Fuchs claimed to have known Zátopek “pretty well.” About the Czechoslovakian runner, Fuchs said, “He is only happy on his two legs, running–and running very hard.” Grantland Rice, “Emil Zatopek Draws Praise–Fuchs Calls Czech Olympic Hero ‘Remarkable Man,’” Baltimore (MD) Sun, August 20, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  5. The following citation summarizes Zátopek’s life and how he pioneered interval training. Zátopek gave his 1952 10,000-meter gold medal to Ron Clarke, a world record holder in distance events, who never won an Olympic gold. “Emil Zatopek Biography,” Biography Online, last modified February 15, 2018, https://www.biographyonline.net/sport/athletics/emile-zatopek.html. “Emil Zátopek the Pioneer of Hypoventilation Training,” Hypoventilation Training, accessed November 18, 2019, YouTube video, 1:04, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shR8pIU7iLo.
  6. All the Americans failed to qualify for the Olympic final race of the 5,000 meters, despite Wes Santee’s promise to the contrary. Santee Confident, (see chap. 10, 31). The text in chapter 21 contains Santee and Charlie Capozzoli’s autographs. Curtis Stone won the Olympic Tryout for this event. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 76, 88, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). A controversy surrounded Curtis Stone at the 1951 Pan-American Games in Argentina. He led the 3,000-meter run but slowed down in the final 100 meters and gestured with his arm to allow American Browning Ross to cross the finish line with him at the same time. The referees wished to disqualify Stone, but the leader of the American delegation stated that it was good sportsmanship to share the victory. Eventually, Stone received first place because a photograph show Stone ahead of Ross by millimeters. Zeit Online, “Olympic fire by plane: the First Pan-American Olympic Games in Argentina,” Zeit No. 12/1951, March 22, 1951, https://www.zeit.de/1951/12/olypisches-feuer-per-flugzeug.

Curtis C. Stone

5,000 &10,000 m.

New York A. C. (Athletic Club)

Penn State ‘47

  The Americans did not finish well in the Olympic 10,000-meters run either. Curtis Stone, whose signature is above, placed first in the Olympic Tryouts, but twentieth in the Olympics. Horace Ashenfelter, the steeplechase gold medalist, came in third in the Tryouts, but chose not to run the 10,000 meters in the Olympics to focus on his other race. Fred Wilt earned a spot on the American team by placing second in the Tryouts. He finished twenty-first in the 1952 Olympics. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 76, 89, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). Fred Wilt won the AAU nine times including the three miles for track and field and cross country. He won the 1950 Sullivan Award and later coached at Purdue. “Frederick Loren Wilt Biography,” International Olympic Committee, accessed August 24, 2022, https://olympics.com/en/athletes/frederick-loren-wilt.

Best wishes

to a great sprinter

and fine fellow.

Sincerely,

Fred Wilt

Indiana

Notes to Chapter 34 Blind Date

  1. “Baker Sets New Record,” Elkhart (KS) Tri-State News, June 6, 1952.
  2. “Welcome to the Merriest Part of Helsinki!” Linnanmäki, accessed April 21, 2020, https://www.linnanmaki.fi/en.
  3. Old Spice Aftershave, (see chap. 14, n. 18).
  4. Athletic events at the Olympic Stadium had four classes of tickets. Kolkka, Official Reports, 166, (see chap. 15, n. 1). This table presents a breakdown of admission costs by both dollars and Finnish markka. First-class tickets cost 2,100 markka or $7. Second-class admission requires 1,050 markka or $3-5. The price of a third-class ticket is 900 markka or $3 while a fourth-class seat demands an outlay of 300 markka or $1.
  5. Linnanmäki, (see chap. 33, n. 9 and chap. 34, n. 2) and Wikipedia, s. v. Billboard year-end top 30 singles of 1952, last modified June 11, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_year-end_top_30_singles_of_1952#.
  6. While the Soviets bombed Helsinki in the Winter War and the Continuation War, they engaged in three great raids against the city in 1944 with over 2,000 Soviet bombers, which dropped approximately 2,600 tons of bombs. The Finns used anti-aircraft artillery and deception to minimize the damage. Only five percent of the bombs landed inside the city limits, causing only 146 deaths. Due to the subterfuge the people of Helsinki engaged in against the Soviets, the Soviet military believe they had destroyed Helsinki. The limited damage Helsinki sustained surprised Soviet General Andrei Zhdanov when he visited Helsinki after the war. In another response to the Soviet bombers, daring Finnish pilots took off to join the ranks of returning Soviet planes and bombed the multiple Soviet airbases from February through May 1944. Brian Stephens, “The Bombing of Helsinki in World War II,” 20th Century Battles, accessed April 8, 2021, January 28, 2021, https://20thcenturybattles.com/the-bombing-of-helsinki-in-world-war-ii/. See Notes for Opening Materials, n. 11.
  7. Thane and Tuija continued their friendship after 1952. When Thane returned to Helsinki in August 1953 with an AAU exhibition tour, they caught up over a meal. In 1972, Thane traveled to Europe to promote the Masters Track and Field program with approximately one hundred other athletes from the United States, Canada, and Australia. There he competed in Masters events. Thane and Tuija met in Helsinki to discuss their spouses and children. In 1990, Thane and his wife visited Tuija and her husband in Finland. Thane and his wife took their granddaughter to meet Tuija in 2005. They continued to exchange Christmas cards until her death in 2018. In authoring this book, the author corresponded with Tuomo Tyllinen, a friend of Tuija’s and shared the part of this book concerning Tuija with her two sons.
  8. People in Helsinki drank six-ounce bottles of Coca-Cola (Coke) at 8:17 in this video. “Helsinki Summer Games 1952 Olympics Opening Ceremony,” (see chap. 15, n. 13). Also, Thane saved labels from cheese that he bought in Finland, which the author examined. The suomalaista emmental juustoa kosken laskija cheese label has an equilateral triangular shape with each side measuring one and a half inches.
  9. “Linnanmäki,” Helsinki Kuvia.FI, Albumi: Rasvaletti (Kuva 72/196), accessed August 7, 2020, https://www.helsinkikuvia.fi/collection/678/?rid=11250.
  10. Mashburn, interview, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 15).
  11. Anne, “Northern Lights in Helsinki,” Livinginhel–Living Like a Local in Helsinki (blog), September 19, 2016, https://livinginhel.com/2016/09/19/northern-lights-in-helsinki/.
  1. The National Weather Service has a brief explanation of the causes of the Aurora Borealis at “Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights),” National Weather Service–National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, accessed April 21, 2020, https://www.weather.gov/fsd/aurora.

Notes to Chapter 35 Lost in Occupied Vienna after Curfew

  1. “Moon Phases August 1952,” Calendar–12, accessed February 13, 2020, http://www.calendar-12.com/moon_calendar/1952/august.
    1. The destruction of buildings, bridges, and basic services hampered the recovery of Vienna after World War II. These two videos reveal the devastation in 1945. Bobby Tidmarch, “Vienna 1945” is the title listed for the video on YouTube. However, the video itself showed the title of Wien Ist eine “Perle,” YouTube video, 3:50, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhBn9cWtdxs. (Author translates the title to mean Vienna is a Pearl.) “Visit to War Ravaged Vienna Post-WWII–Home Movies Feldkirch 60284,” PeriscopeFilm, YouTube video, 12:10, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B9k454Xbhw#action=share.
    1. In the late 1940s, Viennese citizens suffered great hardship, not only from the wartime destruction of their property, but also from starvation. Food availability in the city did not supply the needs of its people for years. The Marshall Plan helped Austria to recover. Wikipedia: s.v. “Allied-occupied Austria,” last modified April 12, 2020, 19:33. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allied-occupied_Austria. “The Years of the Allied Forces in Vienna (1945 to 1955)–History of Vienna: Occupation,” Culture & History, City of Vienna, https://www.wien.gv.at/english/history/overview/reconstruction.html. Julian Gray makes this suffering personal in Interrogating Ellie, (cloiff books, 2015). Students learned about this tough time. “Occupied Vienna,” Time Travel: Magic Vienna History Tour, https://www.timetravel-vienna.at/en/highlights-history-vienna/highlightsoccupied-vienna/. In 1951, cinematographers filmed Four in a Jeep (Die Vier em Jeep) about four servicemembers from four different countries patrolling Vienna together in one Jeep. Directed by Leopold Lindtberg, written by Richard Schweiser, and produced by I. Westcsler, the movie featured Ralph Meeker, Viveca Lindfors, Joseph Yadin, Michael Medwin, and Albert Dinan. (n.p., VCI Entertainment, Kit Parker Films and Blair & Associates 2010,) DVD. In 1945 at the end of World War II, more than twenty percent of housing was uninhabitable which included 87,000 apartments. The city counted more than 3,000 bomb craters. Bridges, sewers, gas pipes, and water pipes failed to function. The city sought to repair these issues and provide welfare for the old and young. These projects continued until the early 1960s. “The Years of the Allied Forces in Vienna (1945 to 1955)-History of Vienna,” City of Vienna, accessed August 24, 2022, https://www.wien.gv.at/english/history/overview/reconstruction.html.
    1. For those seeking details about the Korean War, this website supplies information. “Korean War,” History, A&E Entertainment, last modified January 31, 2020, https://www.history.com/topics/korea/korean-war.
    1. “About Us,” Spanish Riding School, accessed February 17, 2020, https://www.srs.at/en/about-us/the-spanish-riding-school/.
    1. Mark Brownlow, “Around Vienna’s Ring (Ringstrasse),” Visiting Vienna, accessed February 17, 2020, http://www.visitingvienna.com/ring/.
    1. This website allows users to calculate sunset in Vienna, Austria, on August 7, 1952. “Selected Major World Cities and Places of Interest,” Sunrise Sunset Calendars, https://www.sunrisesunset.com/predefined.asp.

Notes to Chapter 36 Turku, Finland, July 29-30, 1952

  1. The 4×100 and 4×400 meter relays and the marathon ran on Sunday, July 27. The Finnish Olympic Organizing Committee charged each country $6 per day per Olympic competitor, who stayed in an Olympic Village with money payable weekly. Kolkka, Official Report, 96, 266, (see chap. 15, n. 1).
  2. Thane obtained autographs from the American Olympic walkers but had trouble acquiring them. Thane had not met the older men in previous competitions, and the walkers tended not to congregate with the younger athletes.

10,000-Meter Walk: Born in 1916, Helmut “Henry” Laskau won the 1952 Olympic Tryouts. Despite being one of Germany’s best 1,500 and 5,000-meter runners in his youth, the Nazis still sent Laskau to a labor camp because he was a Jew. He escaped in 1938 and made his way to France, where he took a boat to Cuba. Laskau arrived in the United States nine months later. In 1943, after becoming a naturalized United States citizen, Laskau traveled back to Europe with the Army, where he served as an interpreter, even interrogating SS officers. He later discovered most of his family had died in the concentration camps. Laskau also competed in the 1948 Olympics, won the 10-kilometer walk in the 1951 Pan American Games, and would place 12th in 1956. Laskau had the title of one of America’s greatest race walkers from 1947 through 1957, Laskau won forty-two national championships along with many other awards. Olympedia, OlyMADMen, ed. s.v. “Henry Laskau,” accessed July 2, 2020, http://www.olympedia.org/athletes/78682. Frank Litsky, “Henry Laskau, Race Walker, Is Dead at 83,” New York Times, May 9, 2000, https://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/09/sports/henry-laskau-race-walker-is-dead-at-83.html. Unfortunately, officials disqualified Laskau for not using proper form in the 1952 Olympics. They eliminated four other competitors in the same way. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 99, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). Henry Laskau signed Thane’s book.

            To a great athlete and

            swell guy- best wishes and lots

            of luck in future competitions

            Henry Laskau

            10,000-meter walk

            Bushnell’s Olympic Book lists Frank LaMorte of the Staten Island Harriers as the second American qualifier in the 10,000-walk on page 77, however, the author did not discover any information about him to indicate that he competed in the 1952 Olympics, (see Notes for Opening Material, n. 10).

            S. Price King qualified third in the 10,000-meter walk to attend the 1952 Olympic Games. He placed ninth in his preliminary heat and did not advance to the finals. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 77, 99, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10).

            To Thane

            With best wishes for future

            Success

            Price King

            10,000 meter walk

            Univ. of California

50,000-Meter Walk or 31.07 miles. This is the longest event in the Summer Olympics. Like the Marathon, it began and ended on the track in the stadium, but the majority of the race took place on the roads.

            Leo Sjogren, born in Helsinki in 1914, did not finish his race in 1952 due to foot injury. However, in 1956, he placed twelfth. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 99, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). Olympedia, OlyMADMen, ed. s.v. “Leo Sjogren,” accessed July 2, 2020, http://www.olympedia.org/athletes/79048. Adolf Weinacker states that the 50 kilometer walkers slept in the same room. He reports that someone told Leo Sjogren if he ran a broom handle up and down his anterior tibialis that it would strengthen it. Sjogren used a sawed off piece of the handle. With his veterinary training, Weinacker warned him that he did not believe that to be an effective treatment. Sjogren said he thought he would try it. This injured his leg so that Sjogren was unable to finish his race.

            Leo Sjogren

            50,000 m Walk

            4313 9th Ave

            Brooklyn, N.Y. U.S.A.

            Dr. Adolf Weinacker placed 22nd in 1952, He earned sixteenth in 1948, and seventh in 1956. Dr. Weinacker served as a veterinarian in the U.S. Air Force and continues to work in private practice. Dr. Weinacker said that American competitors struggled for acceptance when he was at Michigan State. When he wanted to miss two exams in Veterinary School in May 1948 for Olympic qualifications, both professors told Weinacker they would flunk him if he did not sit for the exams on time. Weinacker took his request up the chain of command. The Dean suggested Weinacker give up ideas of competition and focus on his schooling. Weinacker said he wanted to do both. They allowed him to take the exams late, but warned him they would be more difficult than those taken by the other students. Later, when Weinacker went to the president of Michigan State in the fall of 1948 to ask why the football players received scholarships, and he did not, even though he was an Olympian, Michigan State gave him a one year scholarship. At the end of the year, they told him a football player needed his scholarship. Weinacker would not have a scholarship anymore and needed to return his veterinary books for which the scholarship paid. Weinacker’s best experience in Helsinki was when he went running through the woods at two in the morning with the Fred Wilt and Curt Stone, the 10,000 meter runners. It was light enough to see. It was a perfect run. Adolf Weinacker, Interview by author, October 16, 1952.

            Helsinki, Finland

            To Thane!

            Best of Luck &

            Success in Everything

            You may do.

            Sincerely,

            Dr. Adolf Weinacker

            50 kilo Walk

            4 hr. 47 min.

            Michigan State ‘51

            Born in 1903, John Deni competed in the 1948 and 1952 Olympics. Olympic officials disqualified John Deni in 1952. In 1948, he placed fifteenth. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 99, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10).

            Best Wishes

            See you 1956

            John M. Deni

            50 Kilo. Walk

            London 1948 Helsinki 1952

            Pgh. Pa. (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

            Adolph Weinacker reports that Hector “Harold” Whitlock, 1936 gold medalist in the 50,000 kilometer walk, saw John Demi walk and immediately knew that Demi was not walking, but running. Harold Whitlock reported his opinion about Demi to the British Olympic Committee, who objected to Demi. The Olympic officials agreed and disqualified him. Weinacker also believed Demi ran. Harold Whitlock competed in the 1952 50-kilometer race and placed eleventh at almost forty-nine years of age. His brother, Rex finished fourth. Adolf Weinacker, Interview by author, October 16, 1952. Olympedia, OlyMADMen, ed. s.v. “Adolf Weinacker,” accessed July 2, 2020, http://www.olympedia.org/athletes/79176.  

  • Baker to Be Home August 15,” Elkhart (KS) Tri-State News, August 1952. Thane Baker to Mr. and Mrs. Walter F. Baker, August 4, 1952, (see chap. 31, n. 12).
  • The Soviets forced Finland to lease Porkkala to them for fifty years. Fodor reports details about 1952 train travel through that section. Fodor, ed., Scandinavia in 1952, 394, (see chap. 15, n. 10).
  • Turun Urheiluliito r.y (The Turku Athletic Union) and Turun Toverit r.y. (The Turku Comrades), Invitation to Competition: Post–Olympics in Turku.July 1952, private collection. On this document in late July 1952, Thane Baker printed the names of the Olympians, who went to Turku with him: “Matson, Davis, Yoder, Fuchs, Ashbaugh, Engle, Benton, Baker.” Engle was Martin Engel, and Benton was Arnold Betton. Walt “Buddy” Davis, (see chap. 24, n. 16), confirmed with author by telephone on March 30, 2020, that he went to Turku to clarify that Jack Davis, another 1952 Olympian, did not (see chap. 17, n. 18). However, Buddy Davis said he was not feeling well during the telephone conversation. The author asked him to remember a small track meet almost seventy years earlier. A contemporary newspaper written in Swedish placed Jack Davis in Turku running his event, the 110-meter hurdles. “31 Amris Tävlar på Landsorten,” unknown publisher or date, presumably in late July 1952, clipping in possession of Thane Baker.
  • Åbo is the Swedish name for Turku, which is the oldest city in Finland. Wikipedia, s.v. “Turku,” last updated August 28, 2020, 20:53, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turku. In 1952, Finland had two official languages, Finnish and Swedish, with ten percent of the population preferring Swedish. For over six hundred years, Finland belonged to Sweden until the Russians claimed it in 1809. Fodor, ed., Scandinavia in 1952, 374, (see chap. 15, n. 10).
  • Author observed a luggage sticker held in private collection with the name “Turun Hospits” and saved by a member of 1952 AAU exhibition team that traveled to Turku.
  • Associated Press, “Finns Amazed at U.S. Cagers,” Sports, Oakland (CA) Tribune, July 9, 1952, sec. D, https://www.newspapers.com. This article applied to American basketball players, but the sentiment that the Americans appeared as giants to “usually stolid Finns” confirms the AAU team’s reception in Turku, Finland.
  • Parry O’Brien “raged” before tossing the shot engaging in “psychological warfare” against his competitors. Posey, The Olympic Century, Volume 13, location 1397 of 5928, (see chap. 17, n. 14).Elliott, “Parry O’Brien, 75; Champion Revolutionized Shotput Throw,” (see chap. 16, n. 6). Jim Fuchs: “Shot Put,” Bushnell, Olympic Book, 100-101, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). Before the 1952 Olympics, Jim Fuchs held the world record in the shot put. He also had a bronze medal in that event from the 1948 Games. Associated Press, “Jim Fuchs Called ‘Hard Luck Boy’ of Olympic Games.” Gazette (Montreal, Quebec), July 22, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. Because of an injury, Jim developed a revolutionary way of throwing the shot, which he called the “sideways glide.” He also earned a bronze medal in the 1952 Olympics. Douglas Martin, “James E. Fuchs, Shot-Put Innovator, Dies at 82,” New York Times, October 17, 2010, https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/18/sports/18fuchs.html. United Press, “‘Bench’ Power Gave U. S. Four Medals,” Salt Lake (UT) Telegram, July 22, 1952, Evening Edition, https://www.newspapers.com. A picture of Jim Fuchs’s loosely bandaged hand is in an uncredited photograph titled First Since Czars, American–Statesman (Austin, TX), July 20, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. The author retrieved all quotes in this book made by Jim Fuchs from public documents.
  • Marty Engel qualified for the Olympic finals in the hammer throw but fouled all three attempts. “Hammer Throw,” Bushnell, Olympic Book,101, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). “Martin Engel–Class of 1954–Hall of Fame–New York University,” NYU Athletics, https://gonyuathletics.com/hof.aspx?hof=96&path=&kiosk=. Wagon wheels, boulders, and sledgehammers predated the current equipment for the hammer throw in this four-thousand-year-old sport that originated in the British Isles. Today, male Olympic competitors throw a sixteen-pound metal ball attached to a four-foot-long steel wire after spinning rapidly inside a seven-foot circle. “Hammer Throw,” World Athletics, accessed September 17, 2020, https://www.worldathletics.org/disciplines/throws/hammer-throw. While the pole vault holds dangers to its competitors and the discus, javelin, and shot put possess the power to maim or kill, the hammer throw presents to most danger to officials and spectators both during warmups and the actual event. To quote from an internet article on hammer throw safety, “The ball of the hammer, due to its high velocity, will destroy what it hits. Even the wire, due to the speed of rotation, can cut someone like a sword if the hammer hits them in-flight.” “Hammer Throw Safety,” Digital Track & Field, accessed September 17, 2020, https://digitaltrackandfield.com/hammer-throw-safety/. Marty Engel signed Thane’s autograph book.

Martin Engel

Hammer 182’5”

N.Y.U.

Sam Felton at eleventh place in the Olympics and Bob Backus at thirteenth comprised the remaining American hammer throw competitors, but they did not compete in Turku.

Sam Felton

Hammer

Harvard–NYAC

187’7¼”

Good luck, old man!

Bob Backus

Hammer

Tufts College–NYAC

176’¾”

  1. Oliver “Ollie” Adrian Matson earned a bronze in the 400-meters run and a silver in 4×400-meter relay. “400-Meters Run,” and “1600-Meters Relay,” Bushnell, Olympic Book, 82-84, 91-92, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). In 1951, Matson played football for the University of San Francisco. He rushed 1,566 yards, the best in the country, scored twenty-one touchdowns, and officials selected him for All-American that season. He suffered attacks on the field because of his race, and discrimination off the field. The Orange Bowl would have invited the USF team to play, but only if Matson and another teammate of color stayed behind. His USF teammates refused to play under those conditions. Frank Litsky, “Ollie Matson, an All-Purpose Football Star, Is Dead at 80,” New York Times, February 20, 2011, https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/21/sports/football/21matson.html. Ollie Matson provided Thane Baker with the following:

It has been nice being on the same

    trip, and I know that in the next

one, you will do better. I know

that you can, because you seem to

have the heart to win.

Ollie Matson

400 meter

  1. Jack Davis (see chap. 17, n.18). Jack Davis won silver medals in the Men’s 110-meter hurdles in both the 1952 and 1956 Olympics. He held three world record three times. Davis served in the Navy and the U.S. Information Agency competing and hosting sporting events in South America and Africa, worked as a real estate developer, and was a founder of the United States Olympic Training Center in San Diego. “Former Trojan Olympic Hurdler Davis Passes Away,” Track and Field 200 Olympians, University of Southern California, July 23, 2012, https://usctrojans.com/news/2012/7/23/Former_Trojan_Olympic_Hurdler_Davis_Passes_Away.aspx.\
  2. Walt Ashbaugh placed fourth in the Hop, Step, and Jump and went farther than any American had ever jumped in the Olympics. “Hop, Step, and Jump,” Bushnell, Olympic Book,107, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). Ashbaugh also played basketball for Cornell during their best season ever. “Walter Ashbaugh,” Cornell University Sports Hall of Fame in Men’s Track and Field and Basketball, CBS Sports Digital, https://cornellbigred.com/hof.aspx?hof=125. In 1952, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) did not include the Hop, Step, and Jump as one of its events. “31st Annual National Collegiate Athletic Association Track and Field Championships,” 3, (see chap. 10, n. 12). The 1952 version of the Official Rules Book and Record Book of College Track and Field failed to list rules for the Hop, Step, and Jump for NCAA competitions, 141, (see chap 22, n. 5). Today, this event bears the name “Triple Jump.” The rules for the triple jump are as follows: Competitors sprint along a runway before taking off from a wooden board. The take-off foot absorbs the first landing, the hop. The next phase, the step, finishes on the opposite foot and then a jump into a sandpit. Officials measure the distance travelled, from the edge of the board to the closest indentation in the sand to it. A foul is committed – the officials do not measure a jump–if an athlete steps beyond the board. “Triple Jump,” World Athletics, accessed September 16, 2020, https://www.worldathletics.org/disciplines/jumps/triple-jump. Walt Ashbaugh gave Thane his signature.

Best of everything in the future.

Walt Ashbaugh

Hop, Step, Jump – 50’8 ¾”

Cornell University

George Shaw did not qualify for the Olympic finals. Jim Gerhardt placed eleventh. They were the two other American competitors in this Olympic event.

Best of luck to the

’56 200 Meter Champion

George Shaw

Hop, Step, and Jump

Columbia U

To Thane, a great sprinter now,

and a boy whom I think will

be the greatest sprinter in the

World.

Jim Gerhardt

Hop-Step-Jump

Rice Institute

  1. Arnold Lee “Arny” Betton ranked seventh in the world in 1952. “Men’s World High Jump Rankings by Athlete, 1947-2019,” Track and Field News, accessed April 23, 2020, https://trackandfieldnews.com/mens-world-rankings-by-athlete-2/mens-world-high-jump-rankings-by-athlete/. “High Jump,” Bushnell, Olympic Book, 105, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). After he failed to qualify in the high jump finals, Betton told reporters “I just don’t know what happened to me. I’ve been jumping better than that all year.” Gold medalist Walt “Buddy” Davis and Silver medalist Ken Wiesner told Arny not to worry. As he was only a first-year student in college, Arny should do better in the 1956 Olympics. United Press, “Winner of High Jump in Olympics Says Knees Just Wouldn’t Hold Up,” Breckenridge (TX) American, July 21, 1952, https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth134338/m1/4/zoom/?resolution=1.7294853948225188&lat=6298.331651963221&lon=1121.6987791459023. Arny Betton wrote this for Thane.

To a real friend & a great competitor.

May only the best be yours.

I am Arny Betton

Drake U

Dr. Kenneth George Wiesner, a twenty-seven-year-old dentist in the United States Navy, came out of a five-year retirement in January 1952, to earn a silver medal in the high jump. He had previously won the NCAA in the high jump three times (once was a tie), tied for a victory in the indoor AAU title in 1945, and in 1953, set the indoor high jump record three times. “Kenneth George Wiesner Biography,” International Olympic Committee, accessed August 24, 2022, https://olympics.com/en/athletes/kenneth-george-wiesner. Fred Delano, “Failure of Barnes Has ‘Em Guessing,” In the Sportlight, Long Beach (CA) Press-Telegram, July 22, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.

Congratulations on your

Performance. Good luck.

Marquette Univ.

Ken Wiesner

Hi Jump

Milwaukee

  1. Tying the third and fifth place time, Lee Yoder placed fourth in the semi-final heat of the 400-meter hurdles, which eliminated him from the finals. Bushnell, Olympic Book, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). After the 1952 Olympics, Lee Yoder (see chap. 14, n. 2) switched sports to field hockey as a member of the bronze medal winning field hockey team in the 1967 Pan American Games. Steven Olderr, The Pan American Games/Los Juegos Panamericanos: A Statistical History, 1951-1999, (Jefferson, NC:McFarland, 2003), https://books.google.com/books?id=B4IwCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA110&lpg=PA110&dq=%22lee+yoder%22+field+hockey&source=bl&ots=90c8u0SfTk&sig=3_dJ2jeL62X6hlkV5ZcfiDS88I0&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj9_-q1iIjaAhWkrVQKHc7LAdMQ6AEIcDAN#v=onepage&q=%22lee%20yoder%22%20field%20hockey&f=false ,110. In 1984, Yoder served as a manager for 1984 Olympic field hockey team. Olympedia, OlyMADMen, ed. s.v. “Lee Yoder,” accessed August 2, 2020, www.olympedia.org/athletes/79223. Lee Yoder wrote this.

Thane Baker-

One of the

Olympic greats who came

through in great style.

Don’t stop now–

You are just starting

Lee Yoder

400 M. Hurdles

U of Arkansas

PS. See you at the AAU in 53

  1. “Visit Turku–What to See & Do in Turku, Finland,” Wolters World, 2018, YouTube video, 5:20, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj3x0H-Jw3E. The Turku Cathedral dates to 1300. “Turku Cathedral,” Visit Turku, accessed April 23, 2020, http://www.visitturku.fi/en/turku-cathedral_en. The windmill is in “Samppalinna Park, Turku,” GPSMYCITY: Lose Yourself Without Getting Lost, https://www.gpsmycity.com/attractions/samppalinna-park-41247.html.
  2. Associated Press, “Jim Fuchs Called ‘Hard Luck Boy’ of Olympic Games,” (see chap. 36, n. 9).
  3. “4 x 100 Metres Relay,” Kolkka, Official Report, 301-302. “4 x 400 Metres Relay,” 303, (see chap. 15, n. 1). Bushnell, “Olympic Women’s Track and Field Championships,” 114-116, (see Notes for Opening Material, n. 10).
  4. “Zátopek Completes Incredible Long-Distance Treble,” International Olympic Committee, May 30, 2014, https://olympics.com/en/news/zatopek-completes-incredible-long-distance-treble. “Zatopek’s Sensational Gold Medal Haul–Emil Zatopek Follows Up Wins in the 5000m and 10000m with an Astonishing Marathon Victory at Helsinki 1952–the First One He Ever Runs,” filmed July 24, 27, 1952, Athletics, Olympic Channel video, 6:31, https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/video/detail/zatopek-s-sensational-gold-medal-haul.
  5. The three American Olympic Marathon competitors, Vic Dyrgall, Tom Jones, and Theodore Corbitt, placed thirteenth, thirty-sixth, and forty-fourth respectively out of fifty-three finishers. Thirteen runners did not complete the course. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 94, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10).

Vic Dyrgall

-USA Marathon –

Univ of Idaho

Tom Jones

Marathon

Earlham College (Ind.)

West Grove, Pennsa.

Theodore Corbitt USA Marathon

University of Cincinnati

Theodore “Ted” Corbitt was the first African American to compete in the Olympic Marathon. A side stitch hurt Ted the entire race. He reported, “In July 1952, I ran the Olympic Marathon and finished 44th out of 67 starters. I had troubles and was disappointed (my sensible goal was 2:38 time) and grateful that I finished and broke 3 hours. The two fastest marathoners in the race failed to finish Jim Peters and Stan Cox of Great Britain.” Paul Cerutty, an Australian coach sat beside Ted as they rode a bus over the marathon course, and they became great friends. Cerutty said this about Ted, “I evaluate Ted Corbitt as one of the all-time greats in the world. No distance runner in the history of athletics has shown consistency as has Ted, nor competed in so many marathons and distance events even up to 100 miles. I honor no athlete more than I honor Ted Corbitt. To which I would add, I have found no man of greater character, kindness, and modesty.” Gary Corbett, “1952 Olympic Marathon – July 27, 1952,” Historical, Forum, Track and Field Field News, updated July 27, 2021, https://forum.trackandfieldnews.com/forum/historical/1708177-1952-olympic-marathon-july-27-1952. Grantland Rice, “Emil Zatopek Draws Praise: Fuchs Calls Czech Olympic Hero ‘Remarkable Man,’” (see chap. 33, n. 4). Yoder, interview, (see chap. 14, n. 2).

  • “Robert Mathias: Biography,” International Olympic Committee, accessed August 22, 2021, https://olympics.com/en/athletes/robert-mathias. Decathlon,” Kolkka, Official Report, 326-331, (see chap. 15, n. 1). Tassin, Bob Mathias, 89, (see chap. 16, n. 5).
  • Shotput Gold medal winner Parry O’Brien, one of Thane’s apartment mates, whose bed remained in the kitchen, signed Thane’s autograph book, (see chap. 16, n. 6).

Thane:

It’s been a pleasure

traveling with you.

Sincerely,

Parry O’Brien

Shot Put

SC

(University of Southern California) O’Brien said, “It was the greatest thrill of my life when I stood on the victory stand and saw the American flags go up for the first three places and heard the band play ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’” Elliott, “Parry O’Brien, 75,” (see chap. 16, n. 6).

Shotput Silver medalist Darrow Hooper supplied Thane Baker with his “John Hancock” as well.

Best Wishes Always,

Thane!!

Darrow Hooper

Texas A & M College

Shot Put

Silver Medal 1952

  • Eters
  • One more “miracle” occurred at the 1952 Olympics. The little country of Luxembourg produced Josef Henri “Josy” Barthel for the XV Olympiad. Barthel had represented his country in the 1948 London Olympics and placed ninth in the 1,500-meter final there. In 1952, Barthel ran a powerful race in the 1,500 meters and earned a gold medal. Barthel and the athletic world believed that Barthel had won the only gold medal that Luxembourg had ever earned in any Olympic sporting event. Olympic historians credit Michel Théatro, who competed for France while a Luxembourg citizen in the 1900 Marathon, as the first gold medalist for Luxembourg. However, Josy Barthel still holds distinguishes himself as only citizen from Luxembourg, who competed for the country of Luxembourg, to win Olympic gold in any sport. Olympedia, OlyMADMen, ed. s.v. “Michel Théatro,” accessed June 27, 2020, http://www.olympedia.org/athletes/68519. Barthel cried as he received his Olympic medal for Luxembourg. Bob McMillen of the United States had the same time as Barthel and placed second while running the fastest 1,500 ever run by an American. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 86-87, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). McMillen also shared the Olympic record with Barthel. Pierre Gricius, “When Tears Write History: Josy Barthel, Luxembourg’s Only Olympic Champion, Was Born 90 Years Ago,” Journal of Olympic History 25, No. 2 (2017): 48, http://isoh.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/332.pdf. For film of Josy’s run, please see “The Olympic Gold Medal that Surprised Even the Organizers,” Olympics on the Record, Olympic Channel, YouTube video, 3:59, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW3NKCy3BMQ. Here is silver-medalist McMillen’s contribution to Thane’s autograph book.

To a great sprinter and a

great guy. It’s been a pleasure

to be your teammate.

Bob McMillen

Occidental College

1500er–3:45.2

  • “Turku Castle,” Turku, accessed April 23, 2020, https://www.turku.fi/en/turku-castle/visiting.
  • “29.7.52” and “30.7.52” Meet organizers distributed two daily track meet schedules to competitors in Turku, Finland.
  • Thane Baker to Mr. and Mrs. Walter F. Baker, August 4, 1952, (see chap 31, n 12).
  • The copper teapots and cups earned by Thane Baker and Lee Yoder remain in their families. Lee Yoder gave his teapot to his mother, who gave it to one of his daughters. Yoder, interview, (see chap. 14, n. 2).

Notes to Chapter 37 London, England, August 4, 1952

  1. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 269, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10).
  2. K.L.M. Royal Dutch Airlines charter 9005, ticket number 0742 190937, issued to W. Thane Baker for 10 AM flight from Helsinki to London on August 2, 1952. A blue-inked circle stamped on the front and back of the ticket contained the Olympic rings and the Finnish flag. Written around the center were the words “In commemoration of your flight by KLM to the Olympic Games 1952–Helsinki,” private collection.
  3. Fred Smith, “15th Modern Olympiad Ends Sunday,” International News Service, Wichita (KS) Beacon, August 3, 1952.
  4. Roy Tomizawa, “The White City Stadium in London: The Birth of the Mega-Multi-Purpose Stadium,” The Olympians from 1964 to 2020 (blog), April 14, 2016, https://theolympians.co/2016/04/14/the-white-city-stadium-in-london-the-birth-of-the-mega-multi-purpose-stadium/.
  5. Stan Burnette, “From the Sidelines,” Manhattan (KS) Mercury–Chronicle, August 5, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. “World Records Beaten Three Times–U.S. Defeat Empire,” Daily Telegraph & Morning Post (London, England), August 5, 1952. United Press, “U. S. Trackmen Top British Empire in Meet, Cut World 2-Mile Relay Mark: Americans Score in 11 of 16 Tests; U. S. Olympic Track Aces Beat British Empire as 50,000 Fans Watch at London; Moore Ties Hurdle Mark; Quartet Timed in 7:29.2 for 2 Miles–World Records Cut in 2 Women’s Events,” New York Times, August 5, 1952, https://timesmachine.nytimes.com. Different newspapers diverged in their spectator totals for this event. While the New York Times specified 50,000, The Wichita (KS) Beacon claimed 60,000 watchers. “America, Australia and Jamaica Set New Marks,” International News Service, August 4, 1952. A newspaper clipping from London’s Daily Telegraph and Morning Post, written by a Special Correspondent, states, “The gates were closed with over 45,000 crammed under the big stands, and probably 20,000 additional would-be spectators packing the approaches but unable to get in.” This newspaper reports, “Unfortunately, the weather was atrocious and most of the events took place in teeming rain.” “World Records Beaten Three Times–U.S. Defeats Empire,” August 5, 1952.
  6. Gourdine, tape recordings, (see chap. 16, n. 19). “Flash Gordon,” Fandom, accessed April 30, 2020, https://scifi.fandom.com/wiki/Flash_Gordon. Charlie Moore spoke to the author of his close friendship with Flash Gourdine. Because hotels would not accept Gourdine and his new bride due to the color of their skin, they spent their honeymoon at Charlie Moore’s house. In later years, Flash developed diabetes, which caused him to lose both of his legs. Charlie recalled one time when Flash fell to the floor and could not get up. He cried. Charlie sat on the floor beside Flash, hugged him, and they both cried together. After Flash’s death in 1998, Charlie hosted a memorial service for him at the New York Athletic Club and arranged for the dispersion of his ashes. Moore, interview, (see chap. 14, n. 32). New York Athletic Club, (see chap. 32, n. 18). The NYAC venue for the funeral was appropriate for a man from the projects in Brooklyn. As late as 1968, NYAC had “well known discriminatory policies against Negroes, Jews and Puerto Ricans.” This caused Tommie Smith, famous for his Black Power salute during the medal ceremony in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, and others to boycott the NYAC-sponsored indoor track meet at Madison Square Gardens in 1968. Sandy Padwe, “Track Boycott Moves East,” Philadelphia Inquirer, (February 3, 1968), http://newspapers.com. Charlie Moore took care of his friend, Flash Gourdine, by honoring him with a funeral in a place that once would have refused him membership.
  7. Gene Cole earned a silver medal in the 4 x 400-meter relay. “1600-Meters Relay,” Bushnell, Olympic Book, 91-92, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). In the 400 meters, Cole won his first-round heat. In the second round, Cole came in second to Herb McKenley, who later won a silver medal in this event. In the semifinals, Cole place fourth. Thus, he did not advance to the 400-meter finals. “400-Meters Run,” 82-84. Gene Cole signed Thane’s book.

To an Olympic winner

My best always

Gene Cole

400 meter

1600 meter rel

Ohio State University

  • Mashburn, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 15).
  • Harold Keith, “Snub at Olympics Spurs Mashburn,” Daily Oklahoman (Oklahoma City), September 7, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. Mashburn, interview, (Notes to Introductory Materials, n. 15). Mashburn did not follow the strict dietary requirements of his time. In 1952, track coaches in the United States and elsewhere insisted their athletes eat lightly and avoid weightlifting. These instructions do not agree with current thoughts for training runners. Boldt, “Daily Meal Plans,” (see chap. 16, n. 7). When one compares the bodies of the 400-meter Olympic men of 1952 and 2016, one notices today’s runners possess additional upper and lower body strength particularly as exhibited by how high the runners lift their knees in the last 100 meters of the race. Of course, the winner in 2016 ran almost three seconds faster than the 1952 victor. Compare Harrivirta, “Muistojen kisakesä 1952,” beginning at 36:56 (see chap. 15, n. 13) versus “Rio Replay: Men’s 400m Sprint Final,” filmed August 14, 2016, Olympic Channel, YouTube video, 6:41, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG91krXuxyw&t=315s. But Wayde Van Niekerk, the Olympic gold medalist in 2016 and world record holder in the 400 meters maintains a healthy body weight and intentionally avoids lifting heavy weights. This sounds like the instructions the Olympic coaches gave their athletes in 1952. “Wayde Van Niekerk: Making a World Record–Men’s 400 Meters,” Total Running Productions, YouTube 11:21, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyciWhVesxc.
  • Mal Whitfield, (see chap. 17, n. 17). The 800-meter race had a “waterfall” start. Some runners preferred a crouch start. Today, the 800 meters begins in lanes with a half-lap stagger. Runners “break for the pole.” (leave their lanes) after the first 100 meters. In the 1952 Olympics, Whitfield began his race in last place. After 400 meters, he ran third behind Heinz Ulzheimer of Germany and Arthur Wint, age thirty-three. On the backstretch, Whitfield passed both. He gained a two-yard lead on the final turn and finished first. Wint placed second and Ulzheimer third. Whitfield became the second athlete to win back-to-back 800-meter Olympic races after Douglas G. A. Lowe of Great Britain in 1924 and 1928. Bushnell, Olympic Book, p.84-85 (see Notes for Opening Material, n. 10).
  • Reggie Pearman placed seventh in the 800-meter final in the Olympics. Bob Phillips, “Reggie Pearman: Double Relay World-Record-Breaker–Quick-Silver Master of the Photo-Finish: The Career of a Double Relay World-Record-Breaker,” Racing Past: The History of Middle-and-Long-Distance Running (blog), accessed April 24, 2020, http://racingpast.ca/bob-phillips.php?id=63. Pearman placed third in the 800-meter Olympic Tryouts with the identical time as second place. “1952: Men – June 27-28,” Track and Field News, (see chap. 26, n. 4). Frank Litsky, “Reggie Pearman, Postwar Middle-Distance Runner, Dies at 89,” New York Times, June 15, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/16/sports/reggie-pearman-postwar-middle-distance-runner-dies-at-89.html.
  • Bill Ashenfelter, (see chap. 32, n. 7).
  • John Barnes of Occidental College won the 1952 NCAA 800-meter run. In the Olympic Tryouts, he placed second with the same time as Reggie Pearman, who came in third. Thoreau, 1953 Official NCAA Track and Field Guide,16,20, (see chap. 10, n. 18). In the Olympic semi-finals, Barnes placed fourth missing the finals by four-tenths of a second. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 85, (see Notes for Opening Material, n. 10). This is how John Barnes signed Thane’s autograph book.

Thane,

Your running

in the Olympic

Games was a thrill.

Sincerely wish you every

success in the future

John Barnes, 800 meters run

Thane Baker asked John Barnes if they could run together at John’s regular speed through the woods near the Olympic Village on the pine needles. Thane wanted to see what an 800-runner pace felt like. They started together. Thane thought that John ran smoothly. Soon, Thane huffed and puffed, then stopped. He was unable to maintain the middle-distance runner’s pace.

  1. Jim Gathers, (see chap. 14, n. 33).
  2. Reggie Pearman, (see chap. 37, n. 11).
  3. Mal Whitfield, (see chap. 17, n. 17).
  4. The United States competed well in the British Empire vs. United States Games held on August 4, 1952, (see chap. 37, n. 5). Followers of the significant question of the 1950s regarding which athlete would be the first to break the four-minute mile will recognize two prominent names from the four-mile relay competition. Roger Bannister, who placed fourth in the 1,500-meter run in the 1952 Olympics and first broke the 4-minute-mile barrier in 1954, and John Landy, who followed him into history weeks later, both ran for the British Empire that day. The American team of Javier Montez, Warren Druetzler, Wes Santee, and John Barnes beat them to the tape in the 4×1-mile relay and set a British all-comers record. Drew Middleton, “4-Minute Mile Is Achieved by Bannister of England,” New York Times, May 7, 1954, https://timesmachine.nytimes.com. Santee, (see chap. 10, n. 31). Associated Press, “Landy, Australia, Runs 3:58 Mile; Second Man to Better 4 Minutes: Surpasses Bannister’s World Record by 1.4 Seconds in Race at Turku, Finland,” New York Times, June 22, 1954, https://timesmachine.nytimes.com. Wes Santee of the University of Kansas also pursued the four-minute mile, (see chap 10, n. 31). J. Montez and Warren Druetzler wrote in Thane’s book.

Hope you

Win them all

Next Year–1953

J. Montez

1500 m

T.W.C.

(Texas Western College, now the University of Texas at El Paso)

Hi there Thane

Best of Luck in all things

Warren Druetzler

1,500 m

Formerly of Michigan State College

(Warren drew a stick figure of a man running under his autograph.)

  1. The author viewed the award plaques from the British Empire versus the United States Games with their respective flags held in private collection.

Notes to Chapter 38 Vienna, Austria, August 6-7, 1952

  1. Thane Baker held British European Airways Passenger ticket and baggage check number 0602 730639 from London to “Kärntner Ring,” which is a street in Vienna close to the hotel where the AAU exhibition team stayed. August 5, 1952, 9:20 AM.
  2. Arny Betton, (see chap. 36, n. 14).
  3. Santee, (see chap. 10, n. 31).
  4. Harrison Dillard, (see chap. 11, n. 4).
  5. Roland Blackmon served in the Army Signal Corp in Nuremberg, Germany. From New Orleans, Roland never competed in athletics prior to joining the Army. In the Helsinki Olympics, a third-place finish in the first round eliminated Blackmon from competition. Paul Zimmerman, “Makes Plans after Olympics,” (see Notes to Opening Material, n. 14). Zimmerman spells his name “Blackman,” not “Blackmon.”

To a real great guy a

team member

lots of luck

Thane

Roland Blackmon

400 m–hurdles

U.S. Army

  • William Preston “Bill” Miller earned a silver medal in the Olympic javelin behind Cy Young’s victory, (see chap. 25, n. 5). Page 321 shows Miller ready to launch his spear. Kolkka, Official Report, 320, (see chap. 15, n. 1). His obituary shares more of his life story. “Obituary, William P. Miller, Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park & Funeral Care, Dignity Memorial, October 27, 2016, https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/mesa-az/william-miller-7145312.
  • Don Laz placed second in the Olympic pole vault behind Bob Richards with a vault of 4.5 meters. A photograph of Laz flying over the pole is on page 311 of Kolkka, Official Report, (see chap. 15, n. 1). He won the 1951 NCAA pole vault at 14’9 ¾” and set the meet record at Washington Stadium in Seattle.Cordner Nelson, “1951 NCAA Track and Field Meet,” 1952 Official NCAA Track and Field Guide, 13,16,19, (see chap. 22, n. 5). George Mattos of the United States placed ninth in the Olympic pole vault. He contributed to Thane’s book.

Best of

luck to a great

guy & a terrific athlete.

George Mattos

Polevault 14’5”

Ex-San Jose State

Make up your mind now!

A great track man or

a good living!

Sincerely,

Fortune Gordien

  1. Larry Snyder coached four-time-Olympic-gold-medalist Jesse Owens, which led to his outstanding performance in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Larry Snyder, “My Boy Jesse,” Saturday Evening Post, February 19, 2016, reprinted from November 7, 1936, accessed May 3, 2022, https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2016/02/boy-jesse/. He also coached “Marvelous Mal” Whitfield, who won back-to-back gold medals in the Men’s 800 meters in 1948 and 1952. Snyder served as the head track and field coach for the 1960 Rome Olympics. “Larry Snyder, USTFCCCA Special Inductees, Ohio State University,” U.S. Track & Field and Cross County Coaches Association Coaches Hall of Fame, accessed May 3, 2022, https://www.ustfccca.org/awards/larry-snyder-ustfccca-special-inductee. Snyder coached hurdlers and middle-distance runners in 1952 Olympics. Bushnell, Official Report,75, 270, (see Notes for Opening Material, n. 10). Thane trained under Snyder in preparation for the 1956 Olympics. Snyder signed Thane’s autograph book.

Larry Snyder

Coach USA 1952

Ohio State U –

  1. London in 1952 had a great deal of pollution from factories, diesel busses, and coal fires in every home. This eventually led to the Great Smog of London in December 1952, in which four thousand people died immediately and twelve thousand passed within six months. “London’s Great Smog, 1952,” Museum of London, YouTube video, 1:47, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6Ww0ONdhg4. Christopher Klein, “The Great Smog of 1952,” edited by History.com editors, A&E Television Network, last modified August 22, 2018, https://www.history.com/news/the-killer-fog-that-blanketed-london-60-years-ago.
  2. Harrison Dillard, (see chap. 11, n. 4).
  3. Gary Brumburgh, “Roscoe Lee Browne: Biography,” IMDb, accessed April 27, 2020, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001975/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm.
  4. General George Patton, USA, competed in fencing and the modern pentathlon in the 1912 Olympics. “George Patton: Biography,” International Olympic Committee, accessed August 22, 2021, https://olympics.com/en/athletes/george-patton. He became a successful and very controversial general in World War II. As of this writing, the author counted twenty-five books for sale on Amazon.com about General Patton’s life, writings, and quotes. Amazon.com, s.v. “Patton,” accessed September 20, 2020, https://www.amazon.com/s?k=george+patton&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss_2.
  5. “London Traffic (1952),” British Pathé, YouTube video, 4:04, https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=youtube+london+1952&docid=607991781922770824&mid=3A69F319B4E5B20AF0EB3A69F319B4E5B20AF0EB&view=detail&FORM=VIRE.
  6. Thane Baker to Mr. and Mrs. Walter F. Baker, August 4, 1952, (see chap. 31, n. 12).
  7. The American AAU team stayed at the Hôtel Höller, which is now known as Sans Souci Wien. “The Philosophy & History of the Sans Souci Wien,” Sans Souci Wien, accessed February 12, 2020, https://www.sanssouci-wien.com/en/hotel/philosophy-and-history/. In 1952 before restoration efforts, the hotel did not present herself as the elegant lady that she is today.
  8. Vienna built her city hall in a gothic style between 1872 and 1883. “Vienna City Hall,” City of Vienna, accessed April 24, 2020, https://www.wien.gv.at/english/cityhall/.
  9. Das Wiener Rathaus, (Vienna, Austria: Press Office, 1952). The map begins on the back page of the booklet and folds inside to protect the six postcards. The map is 6×7 ¾ inches printed in red and brown ink. Major streets have labels with three-dimensional buildings drawn in their correct location. Included are St. Stephan’s Cathedral, the Hofburg, the Opera House, and Messepalast. The Rathaus has a red circle around it. Private collection.
  10. Wien, Vienne, Vienna, Vieno – Ein Bilder-Album mit einem Geleitwort des Bürgermeisters der Stadt Wien Franz Jonas, (Vienna, Austria: Gerlach & Wiedling, 1952).
  11. This video shows the partial restoration of Vienna in the 1950s. Karl Hoeffkes, “Wien in den 50ern,” YouTube video, 1:41, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2me1v5bm8Y. This propaganda film lists improvements made for the citizens of Vienna, who live outside of the city center. “Alte Filme–Soziales Bauen in Wien 1952,” City of Vienna, 1952, YouTube video, 12:21, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqK_yP7Vcq4.
  12. The tallest tower at St. Stephan’s cathedral is 136.4 meters tall. The website provides additional information in the “History of the Cathedral Church” section. Domkirche St. Stephan accessed April 24, 2020, https://www.stephanskirche.at/?setLang=en. “Big Bell for Vienna,” British Pathé, filmed April 26, 1952, YouTube video, :42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSWSWcpu-UA.
  13. Vienna Now–Forever provides information regarding places to visit in Vienna. “Sightseeing,” accessed April 25, 2020, https://www.wien.info/en/sightseeing.
  14. Musician’s Memorials,” Vienna Now–Forever, accessed February 20, 2020, https://www.wien.info/en/music-stage-shows/city-of-music/musicians-memorials.
  15. “The Original Sacher–Torte: Sweet Secret,” Hotel Sacher, accessed April 25, 2020, https://www.sacher.com/en/original-sacher-torte/recipe/.
  16. In a September 20, 1952, edition of the Army Navy & Air Force Journal, Lt. Gen. George P. Hays, United States Army, Commander of United States Forces Austria (USFA) explained that his command was “charged with the mission of supporting the U.S. High Commissioner for Austria in his effort to re-establish a democratic Austria, with a sound economy capable of insuring an adequate standard of living.” Walter Elkins ed., “1952,” Headquarters, U.S. Forces, Austria, European Command, U.S. Army Germany, (blog), http://usarmygermany.com/Sont_USFA.htm.
  17. A motto of the European Exchange System (EES) was “Serving those who Serve” by “providing services and goods at minimum costs.” Walter Elkins ed., “European Exchange Service History,” Army & Air Force Exchange Service, Europe, US Army, Europe, US Army Germany (blog), http://www.usarmygermany.com/Sont.htm?http&&&www.usarmygermany.com/Units/AAFES-Eur/USAREUR_AAFES.htm.
  18. United Press, “Dillard Believes Olympics Raised Russian Athletes’ Opinion of U. S,” New York Times, August 13, 1952. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com.
  19. “What is Marcasite Jewelry? -A Quick Guide,” Jewelry Shopping Guide, accessed September 20, 2020, https://www.jewelryshoppingguide.com/what-is-marcasite-jewelry/.
  20. The July and August 1952 newspapers calculated daily totals to determine which countries had the most points in the Olympic Games as of that date by assigning values to the medals issued. At the end of the Games, the United States claimed victory. Jack Ellis, “Olympic Games Finest Ever – U.S. Edges Russia in Team Standings,” Stars and Stripes (see chap. 24, n. 15). This newspaper quote, “United States win… the unofficial team title of the 1952 Olympics, 610 to 553 ½,” is found in “United States Clinches Team Title in Olympics: U. S. Triumphs in Basketball and Swimming; Boxers Set All-Time High of 5 Victories,” Post–Standard (Syracuse, NY), August 3, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  21. In response, the USSR, using a different point scale, decided the USSR had won. “Soviet Claims Games Victory–Moscow Works Out Its Own Placings,” British newspaper, August 1952, in private collection. Ted Smits, “Reds Remake Rumor Record Read Russia,” Associated Press, Wichita Beacon, August 4 or 5, 1952, in private collection. Harrison E. Salisbury, “Russians Hail Olympic ‘Victory’ But Fail to Substantiate Claim: Pravda Cites ‘World Superiority of Soviet Athletes in Helsinki Games’ without Providing Tabulation of Points,” New York Times. August 5, 1952, https://timesmachine.nytimes.com. “Russ Press ‘Scorns’ Team Tabulations,” Stars and Stripes, (see chap. 24, n. 15).
  22. The International Olympic Committee spoke against using any point standings calculations. Associated Press, “I.O.C. Deplores Point Standings,” Calgary Herald (Alberta, Canada),July 28, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. “The International Olympic Committee today unanimously passed a resolution “deploring the practice of publishing the standings of the nations in the Games…. Olympic competition, Brundage said, is solely on an individual basis and any team scores are unofficial.” Joseph Singer, “Olympic Head Fears Danger in Nationalism,” International News Service, Wichita Beacon, August 4 or 5,1952.

Notes to Chapter 39 Outstanding Athlete, August 7, 1952

  1. Vienna built her city hall in a gothic style between 1872 and 1883. “Vienna City Hall,” City of Vienna, accessed April 24, 2020, https://www.wien.gv.at/english/cityhall/.
    1. Das Wiener Rathaus, (Vienna, Austria: Press Office, 1952). The map begins on the back page of the booklet and folds inside to protect the six postcards. The map is 6×7 ¾ inches printed in red and brown ink. Major streets have labels with three-dimensional buildings drawn in their correct location. Some are St. Stephan’s Cathedral, the Hofburg, the Opera House, and Messepalast. The Rathaus has a red circle around it. Private collection.
    1. Wien, Vienne, Vienna, Vieno – Ein Bilder-Album mit einem Geleitwort des Bürgermeisters der Stadt Wien Franz Jonas, (Vienna, Austria: Gerlach & Wiedling, 1952).
    1. This video shows the partial restoration of Vienna in the 1950s. Karl Hoeffkes, “Wien in den 50ern,” YouTube video, 1:41, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2me1v5bm8Y. This propaganda film lists improvements made for the citizens of Vienna, who live outside of the city center. “Alte Filme–Soziales Bauen in Wien 1952,” City of Vienna, 1952, YouTube video, 12:21, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqK_yP7Vcq4.
    1. The tallest tower at St. Stephan’s cathedral is 136.4 meters tall. The website provides additional information in the “History of the Cathedral Church” section. Domkirche St. Stephan accessed April 24, 2020, https://www.stephanskirche.at/?setLang=en. “Big Bell for Vienna,” British Pathé, filmed April 26, 1952, YouTube video, :42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSWSWcpu-UA.
    1. Vienna Now–Forever provides information regarding places to visit in Vienna. “Sightseeing,” accessed April 25, 2020, https://www.wien.info/en/sightseeing.
    1. “Musician’s Memorials,” Vienna Now–Forever, accessed February 20, 2020, https://www.wien.info/en/music-stage-shows/city-of-music/musicians-memorials.
    1. “The Original Sacher–Torte: Sweet Secret,” Hotel Sacher, accessed April 25, 2020, https://www.sacher.com/en/original-sacher-torte/recipe/
    1. Thane took a photograph of a sign that said, “Ami go home für ein unabhängiges Osterreich.” A rough translation is “Americans (?) go home for an independent Austria.” Riesenrad or Ferris wheel, Wien, Vienne, Vienna, Vieno, 67 (see chap. 38 n. 20). At 1:20, this video shows the Ferris wheel with its missing cars. Hoeffkes, “Wien in den 50ern.” (See chap. 38, n. 21).
    1. United Press. “Dillard Believes Olympics Raised Russian Athletes’ Opinion of U.S.” (See chap. 38, n. 28).
    1. “Home,” WAC Wiener Athleticksport Club, accessed February 20, 2020, https://www.wac.at/. Their address and phone number in 1952 were Rustenschacheralle 9 and R 43 2 38, respectively. Handbuch der Stadt Wien: 67.-68 amtlich redigierter Jahrgang, Verzeichnis der Übungsstätten in Wien, Sportplätze, Spielplätze, Eislaufplätze, Tennisplätze, Bootshausanlangen, Spezialanlagen, Schwimmbäder, stand vom January 1, 1952,(Vienna: Verlag für Jugend und Volk Gesellschaft M.B.H., 1952), 471.
    1. Thane Baker recalls an event from the Vienna track meet. Wes Santee had trouble removing his shoes. Out of kindness, Roland Blackmon, the 400-meter hurdler, knelt in front of him and helped Santee take them off. The shutter of a camera clicked. Blackmon raged against the photographer. Blackmon had been happy to help his teammate in need, but as a man of color, he did not want a picture published of himself genuflecting before a white man. Thane believes the photographer did not print the snapshot. Santee, (see chap. 10, n. 31).
  1. Festschrift, Internationales Leichtathletikmeeting, Veranstaltet vom Österr. Leichtathletick-Verband u. Österr, Olymp. Comitée, Offizielles Programm, Mittwoch 6. August u. Donnerstag 7. August 1952, Beginn 17.45 Uhr WAC-Platz, Freiexemplar, (program, Vienna, Austria: Wiener Kurier, August 1952). Soong, “Harrison Dillard, U.S. Track Luminary,” (see chap. 17, n. 18).
  1. “Pronghorn,” Animals Photo Ark, National Geographic. Accessed January 1, 2020, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/p/pronghorn/.
  1. Wiener Kurier, “Weitere Österreichische Rekorde: Prachtleistungen der USA-Athleten, Don Laz Übersprang mit der Bambusstange 4,45 m Miller Warf den Speer 73,95 m–Baker Lief die 200 m in 21 Sekunden–Hürdenkönig Harrison Dillard Ernstlich Verleizt,” Sport in Aller Welt, August 8, 1952.
    1. Ward Haylett to Thane Baker, postcard, August 11, 1952. Ward wrote, “Sure got a bang out of your beating Dillard in Vienna.”
    1. Associated Press, “U. S. Trackmen Win 7 Tests at Vienna: Sweep Closing Program for a 14-of-15 Total in Two-Day Meet–Miller Excels,” New York Times, August 8, 1952, https://timesmachine.nytimes.com. “Baker Wins Dash in International Meet at Vienna,” Manhattan (KS) Mercury–Chronicle, August 8, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. Hutchinson (KS) Herald, “American Athletes Win in Vienna Meet,” August 7, 1952. Festschrift, Internationales Leichtathletikmeeting, (see chap. 39, n. 5). Thane Baker recalls some European track meets did not require the Swedish (or escalator) relay run in order by distance (100m, 200m, 300m, 400m). In that case, each team could choose which length they would run when. Some 400-meter contestants might race against 100-meter runners. Thane said the Swedish relay was a crazy event to watch and take part in, because he could never tell which team was ahead until the very end of the relay, but it was a lot of fun.
  1. United Press. “Dillard Believes Olympics Raised Russian Athletes’ Opinion of U. S.” (See chap. 38, n. 28).
    1. “The History of Wiener Schnitzels and Why We Love a Good Schnitzelfest So Much,” Schnitzel Fest: Enjoying Good Food and Good Wine, March 27, 2018, www.schnitzelfestnh.org/history-of-wiener-schnitzel/.
    1. Thane erred in his assumption that the mayor of Vienna presented the prize plate to him. In fact, Karl Waldbrunner possessed the title of Central Secretary of the Socialist Party of Austria in 1952. He was also the Federal Minister for Transport and Nationalized Enterprises. He later became president the National Council of Austria. “Dipl. -Ing. Karl Waldbrunner,” Wer ist Wer, Republik Österreich Parlament, last modified February 11, 2019, 10:45, https://www.parlament.gv.at/WWER/PAD_01408/index.shtml.
    1. The author inspected a photograph taken by the “US Information Services Pictorial Section Vienna,” which showed Karl Waldbrunner with the 1952 Exhibition Team in their luxurious surroundings.

Notes to Chapter 40 Despair

  1. News of the World, “Post-Olympic British Games: White City Stadium Saturday 9th August 1952,” (program, London: News of the World, 1952), private collection.
  2. Zátopek pioneered interval training. “Emil Zatopek Biography,” Biography Online, (see chap. 33, n. 5).
  3. The greased pig lay down in exhaustion. (See chap. 2, n. 5).

Notes to Chapter 41 The Last Hurrah

  1. Dr. rer.pol. Margeret Hall, Assistant Professor, Department of Strategy of Innovation, Wirtschaftsuniversität, Wein University of Economics and Business, assisted the author in reading the comments written on the back of the photograph.
  2. The start times come from a surviving program. News of the World, “Post-Olympic British Games,” 12, 22, 24, 27-28, (see chap. 40, n. 1). “British Games at the White City,” Athletics, Observer (London, England), August 10, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. Saturday Sport Round-Up, “Remigino Wins,” Evening Standard (London), August 9, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. “Moore Skims to Record in Mud,” Sunday Pictorial (London), August 10, 1952.
  3. Olympic medals for Herb McKenley, Mal Whitfield, and Gene Cole verified at International Olympic Committee, https://www.olympics.com/. News of the World, “Post-Olympic British Games,” 19, (see chap. 40, n. 1). In the 1952 Olympics, George Rhoden and Herbert McKenley shared the Olympic record of 45.9; however, Rhoden came in first. “Helsinki 1952, Athletics, Men Results,” International Olympic Committee, https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/helsinki-1952/results/athletics/400m-men. J. W. Mashburn begins his 440-yard race at :41.0. “British Athletes Compete at the White City 1952,” filmed August 9, 1952, Gaumont-British News, British Pathé, 1:51, https://www.britishpathe.com/video/VLVA3XJR0JRTUMP2ZD2E7BAZEPSCS-BRITISH-ATHLETES-COMPETE-AT-THE-WHITE-CITY/query/1952+British+Games. The Associated Press article describes the weather as “slashing rain” and “abominable.” “Yanks Shine in British Meet,” Long Beach (CA) Press, August 10, 1952. According to Mal Whitfield, Arthur Wint, two-time Olympic silver medalist in 1948 and 1952, was a chain smoker, which helped J.W. Mashburn beat Wint at the 440-yard distance. However, nothing took away from J.W. running the same time as the winner in the earlier 440 Invitational. Frank Litsky, “Mal Whitfield, Olympic Gold Medalist and Tuskegee Airman, Dies at 91,” New York Times, November 19, 2015, https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/20/sports/mal-whitfield-olympic-gold-medalist-and-tuskegee-airman-dies-at-91.html
  4. Andy Stanfield, (see chap. 14, n. 34).
  5. Jim Gathers, (see chap. 14, n. 33).
  6. Gourdine, tape recordings, (see chap. 16, n. 19).
  7. Les Laing, (see chap. 26, n. 3).
  8. “British Games at the White City,” Athletics, Observer (London, England), August 10, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com. Associated Press, “U.S. Captures London Games,” Wichita (KS) Beacon, probably August 10, 1952. Associated Press. “U. S. Sets 2 World Records to Dominate British Track.” New York Times, August 10, 1952. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com. In this video, the mile relay began at 1:07. “Records Go in British Games (1952),” filmed August 9, 1952, British Pathé, 2:06, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ubgt4X_uoI. Mashburn, interview, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 15).

Notes to Chapter 42 The Last Meal

  1. Dean Smith, interview, and Smith, Cowboy Stuntman, 68, (see chap. 10, n. 5).
  2. Mashburn, interview, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 15).
  3. “The Dorchester” accessed May 5, 2020, https://www.dorchestercollection.com/en/london/the-dorchester/.
  4. Official sources spell Reggie Pearman with an “A.” His autograph looks like “Pearmon” with an “O.” (See chap. 37, n. 11).
  5. Harrison Dillard, (see chap. 11, n. 4).
  6. Gourdine, tape recordings, (see chap. 16, n. 19). Flash Gourdine came in second to American gold medalist Jerome Biffle by an inch and a half. Here is a link to Jerome Biffle’s leap. Please note the long coats and hats worn by the spectators and officials which demonstrate the weather. “Helsinki 1952/Jerome Biffle/Long Jump/Athletics/Olympic Summer Games/9,” TF Filmarchiv, filmed on July 21, 1952, in Helsinki, Finland, YouTube video, :44 seconds, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bcxdcs0d80. Gourdine recalled that the rain worsened the runway conditions as the Olympic broad jump progressed. Despite multiple tries, Gourdine could not pass Biffle’s mark. The other American, George Brown, fouled his second two jumps, but placed fourth. George Brown’s autograph is in chapter 30 of the text. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 106-107, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10).

May success always

follow you.

Jerome Biffle

Broad Jump 24.10 ½

University of Denver

  • Stanfield, (see chap. 14, n. 34).
  • “Mr. W. Emsley Carr, Chairman of the News of the World, requests the company of ___________ at the banquet following the British Games to be held at the Dorchester Hotel on Saturday, August 9, 1952, 6.30 (for 7.15 p.m.)” Invitation printed on 4.5 x 3.5 inches poster-board material with rounded corners and gold gilt around the edge. Private collection.
  • News of the World, “Dinner to Athletes and Officials – Post-Olympic British Games: W. Emsley Carr, in the chair,” The Dorchester, Park Lane, W.1. Saturday, 9th August 1952, program, private collection.
  • Menu:
  • Le Melon Frappé
  • Le Filet de Sole au Champagne
  • Le Caneton á l’Orange
  • Les Petits Pois Fins
  • Les Pommes Nouvelles á la Menthe
  • La Salade Effeuillé
  • La Pêche Dame Blanche
  • Les Firandises
  • Le Café
  • Toasts:
  • HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
  • Proposed by the Chairman
  • OUR GUESTS
  • Proposed by Mr. Bertram Jones
  • Replies by Mr. D. F. Roby (U.S.A.)
  • Mr. G. S. Leeder (N.Z.)
  • THE WINNERS
  • Proposed by Mr. F. S. Gentle
  • Reply by one of the Winners
  • “THE NEWS OF THE WORLD”
  • Proposed by Mr. Harry Whittle
  • Reply by W. Emsley Carr
  • Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the British throne six months before this dinner, but her coronation would not occur until the following year to allow time for the mourning of King George VI and preparation. “Accession and Coronation,” Her Majesty The Queen, accessed July 6, 2020, https://www.royal.uk/her-majesty-the-queen.
  • “History of the Dorchester,” The Dorchester, accessed May 5, 2020, https://www.dorchestercollection.com/en/london/the-dorchester/history/.
  • The 1952 Summer Olympic Games proved disappointing to Great Britain. They brought 257 competitors and earned twenty-six bronze medals. In athletics, McDonald Bailey produced a bronze medal in the 100 meters. John Disley earned a bronze in the steeplechase. Sheila Lerwill’s high jump allowed her a silver medal. Charles Curry brought home a silver medal in sailing. Great Britain’s only Olympic gold medal came in the Prix des Nations, a team equestrian event. Bear, Official Report of the XVth Olympic Games, 14, 23, 38, 82, 86, (see chap. 18, n. 1). “Great Britain at the 1952 Helsinki Summer Games,” SR/Olympic Games, accessed August 14, 2021, https://web.archive.org/web/20141113100312/http://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/countries/GBR/summer/1952/. In the 1952 Olympics, Marjorie B. Haines was the first woman to compete for the United States in equestrian events. She placed 17th in Dressage-Individual Test. Her male team members placed 11th and 27th with a team placing of 6th. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 174-175, 177, 179, (see Notes for Opening Material, n. 10).
  • As mentioned, eighty members of the 1952 Olympic team served in the military. Dean, 1952 Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 17).
  • Ollie Matson, (see chap. 36, n. 11).
  • Walt “Buddy” Davis, (see chap. 24, n. 16).
  • Bob Richards, (see chap. 11, n. 1).
  • Thane collected signatures of his teammates in Vienna in a separate book in addition to the ones collected in the one he purchased in the Olympic Village. The autograph of Fortune Gordien, (see chap. 38, n. 9), is on page iv of Wien, Vienne, Vienna, Vieno–Ein Bilder-Album mit einem Geleitwort des Bürgermeisters der Stadt Wien Franz Jonas, (see chap. 38, n. 20). When the Olympics began again in 1896, being an amateur meant not only that the athlete may never have taken money for competing in a race, but also that the athlete had never received pay for manual labor. Next Big Idea Club, “David Goldblatt on the Impact of Olympics,” (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 14). “Whist the fight for racial and gender equality at the games would be fought throughout the 20th Century, the working classes were carefully excluded by clauses barring anyone who had accepted wages for manual labor from competing.” James Fisk, “‘Amateurism’ to ‘Elitism’: An Exploration of ‘The Games’ with David Goldblatt,” Birkbeck University of London, October 18, 2016, http://blogs.bbk.ac.uk/events/2016/10/18/amateurism-to-elitism-an-exploration-of-the-games-with-david-goldblatt/. When the International Olympic Committee met in 1950 to discuss allowing the Soviet Union to participate in the Olympics, the IOC president acknowledged that many of the Russian athletes “are professionals.” Rider, Cold War Games, location 1024 of 6610, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 22). In 1952, “the general consensus was that the Soviet sports stars were well-compensated by their government, which should have rendered them ineligible for the Olympics.” Erin Redihan, “The 1952 Olympic Games, the US, and the USSR,” Process: a blog for American history, blog of Organization of American Historians, Journal of American History and American Historian, February 8, 2018, https://www.processhistory.org/redihan-1952-olympics/. The federally controlled sports in the Soviet Union made sure that “no star athlete wanted for much in the Soviet bloc, receiving a good salary at a nominal job for being good at one’s sport. Of course, these athletes had an edge over their Western counterparts, whose amateur status compelled them to scrimp on training money and develop their athleticism as a sideline to life’s central business of making a living.” Posey, The Olympic Century, Volume 13, location 371 of 5928, (see chap. 17, n. 14). Avery Brundage, the American who became head of the International Olympic Committee, “was largely a self-made millionaire…(who) never understood and consequently never expressed any sympathy for the financial constraints that American and other amateur athletes faced. Instead of advocating for these athletes, he continued to harangue American Olympians for any perceived infractions of the amateur rules while turning a blind eye to Moscow’s willful disregard for the same regulations.” Bob Mathias and Wes Santee could not return to the 1956 Olympics for this reason. Mark Landsbaum, “Jock of All Trades: Olympian-Politician-Businessman Bob Mathias Now Focuses on Kids in Sports,” Los Angeles Times, May 7, 1988, https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-05-07-li-2468-story.html. John Cobley, “Wes Santee Profile,” Racing Past: History of Middle and Long Distance Running, October 19, 2015, http://racingpast.ca/john_contents.php?id=295. Regarding payment of athletic training for members of the United States military, Congress passed a law to fund this in 1947. Redihan, Olympics and the Cold War, 15, 103 (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 22). Most Olympic athletes today may accept money and are professional due to rule changes made by the International Olympic Committee. “Can Professional Athletes Compete in the Olympics?” Rules of Sport, accessed December 11, 2020, https://www.rulesofsport.com/faq/can-professional-athletes-compete-in-the-olympics.html.
  • Gone with the Wind, directed by Victor Fleming, written by Margaret Mitchell, featuring Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, (Culver City, CA: Selznick International Studios, 1939). At the 1952 Olympics, Dean went to a fancy movie theater and watched Gone with the Wind in Finnish. He found it beautiful. Since Dean had always loved going to the movie theater, he decided he wanted to get in the movie business. He tried his hand at professional football and rodeo, but thanks to his friendship with Jim Bumgarner, later known as James Garner, Smith found work as a stuntman. True West Magazine, “Dean Smith: Stuntman,” August 6, 2013, https://truewestmagazine.com/dean-smith-stuntman/. Dean Smith performed in ten movies with John Wayne. On the Line, Season 1, Episode 4, “Helsinki 1952–The Fastest Cowboy Stuntman to Ever Compete in the Olympics,” (see chap. 22, n. 3). Dean worked as a professional stuntman in ninety-three films or television shows, an actor in sixty-two, and in eight documentaries or films as himself. Internet Movie Database. s.v. “Dean Smith,” accessed March 19, 2020, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0807911/.
  • Imperial War Museums, “What You Need to Know About Rationing in the Second World War,” accessed April 29, 2021, https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/what-you-need-to-know-about-rationing-in-the-second-world-war.
  • Organising Committee for the XIV Olympiad, ed., Olympic Newsletter: XIVth Olympiad London 1948, (London: Press Dept of the Organising Committee, 1947), https://library.olympic.org/Default/doc/SYRACUSE/25827/olympic-newsletter-xivth-olympiad-london-1948-issued-by-the-press-department-of-the-organising-commi?_lg=en-GB.
  • Charles L. Ornstein, chairman of the 1952 Food and Housing Committee for the United States Olympic Team, stated that in Helsinki, feeding and housing the competitors “was simplicity itself” when “compared to the problems encountered in the housing and feeding of our athletes and officials at the Olympic Games in England in 1948, where eight separated sites had to be serviced.” Bushnell, Olympic Book, 264, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). Gunnar Meinhardt, “Harrison Dillard: ‘Wow, all for my sake!’” Journal of Olympic Historians, 26, no. 3 (2018): 20, http://isoh.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/370.pdf.
  • Charlie Moore believed Herb McKenley’s effort caused the Jamaicans to win the 4×400 relay in the 1952 Olympics. McKenley came to Helsinki with a silver medal from the 400 meters that he had earned in the last Olympics. The Jamaicans had expected to win their 4×400-meter relay in that 1948, but their third leg, Arthur Wint, pulled up lame. During the 1952 Olympics, McKenley earned a silver medal in the 100 meters with the same time as winner, Lindy Remigino. In the 400 meters, McKenley tied the Olympic record and the winning time while finishing second to his teammate, George Rhoden. McKenley is the only man throughout Olympic history to qualify for the Olympic finals in the 100, 200, and 400-meter races. Olympedia, MADMen ed., s.v. “Herb McKenley,” accessed September 5, 2020, https://www.olympedia.org/athletes/72305. McKenley had competed in sprints since 1944 and believed, as a thirty-year-old man, that the 1952 4×400-meter relay would be his last Olympic race. Charlie Moore said that Herb McKenley, wanted a gold medal. Both Moore and McKenley carried their team’s baton for the third leg. When Moore received his, he had a twelve-yard-lead over McKenley. Moore ran his personal best 400-meter race, but by the next handoff, Moore trailed by a yard. No one could believe McKenley ran his split in “the unthinkable time of 0:44.6!” The Jamaicans won and broke the world record by 4.3 seconds. The Americans finished a tenth of a second behind. The Germans finished third and still broke the prior world record by two seconds. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 91-92, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10). “Relay Quartet Make Jamaica Proud,” News, International Olympic Committee, July 27, 1952, https://olympics.com/en/news/relay-quartet-make-jamaica-proud. To watch McKenley’s struggle for a gold medal and finish against Moore, please see the following. “Jamaican Olympic Heros Wint, Rhoden, McKenley, and McDonald,” Andrew Wint, YouTube video, 2:20, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfxrMy9pQcc&t=26s. Moore and McKenley maintained their friendship over the years meeting at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and later when Moore traveled to Kingston, Jamaica, to visit with McKenley near the end of McKenley’s life. Moore, interview, (see chap. 14, n. 32). Charles H. Moore, Jr. and Brad Herzog, One Hurdle at a Time: An Olympian’s Guide to Clearing Life’s Obstacles, (self-pub., Edgemoor Ink, 2017), 96. Rosen, 91-Year-Old Olympic Gold Medalist Charles Moore, (see chap. 24, n. 18).
  • George Raborn, “Olympics Star Visits in Waco,” Waco News-Tribune, August 15, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  • Correspondence from Traci Gourdine, daughter of Meredith “Flash” Gourdine (see chap. 16, n. 19), to author in April 2020.
  • Gourdine, tape recordings, (see chap. 16, n. 19).
  • For more information about the Fort Greene projects, see Larry Getlen, “Brooklyn’s Blight Years: From the Birth of ‘the Projects’ to Death of Ebbets,” New York Post, September 30, 2019, https://nypost.com/2019/09/30/brookyns-blight-years-from-the-birth-of-the-projects-to-death-of-ebbets/.
  • Devin Lowe, “Friendship of the 1948 Olympians Stands the Test of Time,” The Olympian Newsletter, Summer 2018, 4. Robert D. McFadden, “Horace Ashenfelter, Olympic Victor of a Cold War Showdown,” (see chap. 32, n. 12).
  • Bushnell, Olympic Book, 269, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10).
  • Several versions of Coubertin’s famous quote exist. On Sunday, July 19, 1908, Baron de Coubertin heard Monsignor Ethelbert Talbot’s sermon to the Olympic athletes at St. James Cathedral. On July 24, 1908, Coubertin presented a speech to the British government and expanded on the earlier sermon. This led to what is now the Olympic Creed. George Hirthler presents this version. “The important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part, just as in life, what counts is not the victory but the struggle,” “Coubertin Quote for Jan 03,” Coubertin Speaks(blog), https://coubertinspeaks.com/quotes/jan/03/. The International Olympic Committee’s current version of the quote states, “The important thing in life is not the triumph, but the fight; the essential thing is not to have won, but to have fought well.” “The Olympic Creed,” (see opening. quote. passages., n. 1). The electronic scoreboard displayed this in the four official languages of the Olympic Games.
  • Suurta on Voittaa Suurempaa Jalo Kilpa
  • Belle Est la Victoire Plus Belle la Noble Lutte
  • Great is to Triumph Greater Far Noble Combat
  • Stort Är Att Segra Störst Den Sveklösa Kampen
  • Raborn, “Olympics Star Visits in Waco,” (see chap. 42, n. 22).
  • Moore, Running on Purpose, 58, (see chap. 12, n. 4). Moore, interview, (see chap. 14, n. 32.)
  • Olympedia, OlyMADMen, ed. s.v. “Levan Sanadze,” accessed June 25, 2020, http://www.olympedia.org/athletes/77623.
  • Coubertin said, “We shall not have peace until the prejudices which now separate the different nations shall have been outlived. To attain this end, what better means than to bring the youth of all countries periodically together for amicable trials of muscular strength and agility.” George Hirthler, “History’s Greatest Forgotten Olympic Hero: Baron Pierre de Coubertin,” Coubertin Speaks (blog), accessed May 6, 2020, https://coubertinspeaks.com/the-baron/

Notes to Chapter 43 Homecoming

  1. “Thane Baker arrived home Saturday evening. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Baker, went to Liberal to meet him.” Elkhart (KS) Tri-State News, August 22, 1952.
  2. During World War II, B-24 pilots trained at the Liberal Army Airfield. After the war, it became Liberal Airfield. “Mid-America Air Museum,” Liberal: Crossroads of Commerce, City of Liberal (KS), http://www.cityofliberal.org/191/Mid-America-Air-Museum.
  3. Thane Baker to Mr. and Mrs. Walter F. Baker, August 4, 1952, (see chap. 31, n. 12).
  4. United Press, “Saturday Expected to Be Cooler,” Iola (KS) Register, August 15, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
  5. Olympic uniform, (see chap. 19 n. 1).
  6. Olympic Telethon, (see chap. 10 n. 3).
  7. The track shoes of 1952 were leather with a metal plate in the front half of the foot to screw in different length spikes. When not in a foot, the shoe sides folded flat against the bottom sole.
  8. Joseph M. Sheehan, “Remigino, Moore in Group of 68 as Olympic Track Stars Return: Last Mass Homecoming of U. S. Athletes Includes Dillard and Young–Manhattan Ace Greeted by College Officials,” New York Times, August 12, 1952, https://timesmachine.nytimes.com. At 4:58 in this video, the airplane taxied in with the Olympic and American flags flying. The Fastest Men on Earth, Episode 12 of 20, “1952 – Helsinki,” (see chap. 22, n. 3).
  9. The Olympic Track and Field team stayed at the Paramount Hotel, again, (see chap. 13, n. 3).
  10. Pan American World Airways System, “Passenger Ticket and Baggage Check, No. 0261-20 292454,” August 10, 1952, private collection.
  11. Raborn, “Olympics Star Visits in Waco,” (see chap. 42, n. 22).
  12. “Baker Sets New Record,” Elkhart (KS) Tri-State News (see chap. 34, n. 1).
  13. Elkhart sits in Morton County, Kansas, which contains 400,000 acres of land. As of 1996, over 200,000 acres were cropland with one eighth of that irrigated. The principal crops were wheat and grain sorghum. Over 38,000 acres were private rangeland for animals. In the 1930s, the US Government bought over 100,000 of Morton County to protect against wind erosion. This land is now the Cimarron National Grasslands used for rangeland and wildlife habitat. Oil and gas, cattle, and hogs made up the rest of the industries in Morton County. Stephen C. Herriman, Steven P. Graber, and James L. McDowell, “Soil Survey of Morton County, Kansas,” Natural Resources Conservation Service in cooperation with Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station, United States Department of Agriculture, text regarding soil identification finalized in 2004, ii, 1, https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MANUSCRIPTS/kansas/KS129/0/morton_KS.pdf.
  14. Fleming, Wizard of Oz, (see chap. 15, n. 8).
  15. “Thane Baker to Track Meet on West Coast,” Elkhart (KS) Tri-State News, June 13, 1952.
  16. “Elkhart Boys in News Reel,” Elkhart (KS) Tri-State News, July 18, 1952.
  17. “Thane Baker Second in 200 Meter Run,” Elkhart (KS) Tri-State News, July 25, 1952.
  18. Lee Dolan took the photo seen by Thane Baker’s parents. He did so in the employ of Steve Hannagan Associates of New York, who represented Coca-Cola. Mike Townsley, “Steve Hannagan, PR Pioneer,” Steve Hannagan Blog, accessed September 23, 2020, http://stevehannagan.com/. A Coca-Cola stand stood behind Thane with the sign, “For the benefit of the Olympic Committee.” The author observed a copy of this photograph in a private collection. The original caption stated, “Helsinki, Finland—Thane Baker of Elkhart, Kansas, a real competitor on the American Track-and-Field squad, checks the international measurements used at the Olympics before a strenuous workout at the Olympic Training Grounds.” The newspaper clipping saved by Thane’s mother had the title “Kansan Measures,” Wichita (KS) Beacon,” July 1952. The caption read, “Thane Baker, the Elkhart, Kas., boy who is a speedster on the American Olympic track and field squad, is shown above checking the international measurements used on the Olympic track at Helsinki before a strenuous workout at the training grounds. Baker has given a good account of himself at Helsinki.”
  19. “Helsinki 1952: The Medals,” International Olympic Committee, accessed August 22, 2021, https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/helsinki-1952/medal-design.
  20. “Baker Day to Be Celebrated August 22.” Elkhart (KS) Tri-State News, August 15, 1952.
  21. Thane Baker to Mr. and Mrs. Walter F. Baker, July 25, 1952, (see chap. 31, n. 2).

Notes to Chapter 44 The Gift

  1. Mary Ruthene Baker married Lawrence Parton in February 1951 in Lawrence, Kansas. “Parton-Baker,” Announcing the Marriage Of, Hutchinson (KS) News, February 15, 1951, http://www.newspapers.com. They met and studied pharmacy at the University of Kansas. “Baker-Parton,” Engagements, Hutchinson (KS) News, November 18, 1950, http://www.newspapers.com.
  2. This video shows what a 1946 Business Coupe looks like. “1946 Ford Business Coupe,” YouTube video, :42, https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=%221946+ford+business+coupe%22&&view=detail&mid=FE583E01C0EE79E28223FE583E01C0EE79E28223&&FORM=VDRVRV.

Notes to Chapter 45 Morning at Home

  1. Tuija sent this news magazine to Thane. Ensio Rislakki ed., Suomen Kuvalehti. (Helsinki: August 2, 1952). American’s Dillard (see chap. 11, n. 4), Jack Davis (see chap. 17, n.18), and Barnard won all three medals in the 110-meter hurdles. Bushnell, Olympic Book, 94-95, (see Notes to Opening Materials, n. 10).
    1. “Large Crowd Attends Baker Barbeque,” Elkhart (KS) Tri-State News, August 29, 1952.

Notes to Chapter 46 Thane Baker Day

  1. “Weather,” Salina (KS) Journal, August 21, 1952, https://www.newspapers.com.
    1. “Large Crowd Attends Baker Barbeque,” (see chap. 44, n. 2).
    1. “Glenn Returns for Big Baker Party,” Elkhart (KS) Tri-State News, August 22, 1952.
    1. “Congratulations and Welcome Home Thane Baker,” Elkhart (KS) Tri-State News, August 22, 1952. Photographs of Baker barbeque taken with Thane Baker’s camera on August 22, 1952, held in private collection.

Appendices

Notes for the Fiftieth Reunion of the 1952 United States Olympic Team

  1. Elliot Denman, “The 1952 Olympic Team Reunion, New York March 27, 2002,” Official Newsletter of the U.S. Olympians, Summer 2002, pg. 8-9.
  2. Sally Baker, “1952 Olympians, 50th Reunion, New York City,” unpublished scrapbook, 2002, in private collection.
  3. Lynn Lipinski, “In Memoriam: Sammy Lee, 96,” USC News (University of Southern California), December 3, 2016, https://news.usc.edu/112049/two-time-olympic-gold-medal-diver-sammy-lee-dies-at-96/.
  4. Frank Litsky, “Bob Mathias, 75, Decathlete and Politician, Dies, New York Times,” September 3, 2006, https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/03/sports/othersports/03mathias.html.
  5. “1952 Olympic 400m Hurdles Champion Moore Dies,” IAAV News, World Athletics, October 11, 2020, https://www.worldathletics.org/heritage/news/charles-moore-obituary.
  6. Frank Litsky, “Mal Whitfield,” (see chap. 41, n. 3).
  7. Frank Litsky, “Lindy Remigino,” (see chap. 22, n. 3).
  8. The 1952 Olympic Team did not gather as a group again. However, Thane continued to meet members individually.

Notes for the Epilogue

  1. “Melbourne 1956, Athletics 4x100M Relay Men Results,” International Olympic Committee, accessed August 22, 2021, https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/melbourne-1956/results/athletics/4x100m-relay-men.
  2. “Melbourne 1956, Athletics 100M Men Results,” International Olympic Committee, accessed August 22, 2021, https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/melbourne-1956/results/athletics/100m-men.
  3. “Melbourne 1956, Athletics 200M Men Results,” International Olympic Committee, accessed August 22, 2021, https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/melbourne-1956/results/athletics/200m-men.
  4. “Baker Ties 60-Yard Dash Record,” (see chap. 10, n. 21). “Baker Stars for Wildcats But Kansas Cops Dual Meet,” Manhattan (KS) Mercury, February 8, 1953, https://www.newspapers.com.
  5. “National College Outdoor Track Records: Best Undergraduate Performances,” Indianapolis (IN) News, June 18, 1953, https://www.newspapers.com. J.W. Mashburn had a faster 440 that year but was ineligible for recognition.
  6. “Iness Shatters Discus Mark; Santee Does 4:03.7 Mile: 190-Foot Heave Tops World Figure; O’Brien Sets Meet Record in Shot,” Boston Globe, June 21, 1953, https://www.newspapers.com.
  7. “World Record Progression of 4×200 Metres Relay: Male-Senior-Outdoor,” World Athletics, accessed October 8, 2020, https://www.worldathletics.org/records/by-progression/339?type=1.
  8. “World Record Progression of 200 Metres: Male-Senior-Outdoor,” World Athletics, accessed October 8, 2020, https://www.worldathletics.org/records/by-progression/13243?type=1.
  9. Thane Baker also ran a wind-aided 100 yards in 9.3 seconds at the Ohio State Relays in 1956. “This Mermaid Real Shark,” Sports in Short, Vancouver Sun, April 23, 1956, https://www.newspapers.com.
  10. Bob Busby, “High Jump Over 7 Feet: Charles Dumas of Compton, Calif., Junior College Tops Magic Mark by 5/8 Inch in Olympic Track and Field Finals. Thane Baker, Bill Nieder on Team, Kansans Will Make Trip to Melbourne After Each Finishes Third-Glenn Davis Cracks World Hurdle Mark-Dave Sime Out,” Kansas City (MO) Times, June 30, 1956, https://www.newspapers.com. Thane Baker’s 10.2 second 100-meter time came in the first heat of the Olympic Trials, where he placed second to Ira Murchison, who also ran 10.2. Associated Press, “Outlook Bright for Olympic Team: Coach Terms Squad Greatest Ever Assembled in U.S.” News-Pilot (San Pedro, CA), July 2, 1956. https://www.newspapers.com. “World Record Progression of 100 Metres: Male-Senior-Outdoor,” World Athletics, accessed October 8, 2020, https://www.worldathletics.org/records/by-progression/16647?type=1.
  11. Thane defeated the European champion in the 100 meters with a time of 10.7. Emil Zátopek won the 5,000 meters. Associated Press, “Kansan Defeats German Runner,” San Francisco Examiner, July 18, 1955, https://www.newspapers.com.
  12. “All Time World Rankings–100 meter Dash,” Masters Athletics: Track and Field–World Rankings, accessed October 9, 2020, http://www.mastersathletics.net/fileadmin/html/Rankings/All_Time/100metresmen.htm.
  13. “All Time World Rankings–200 metres Dash,” Masters Athletics: Track and Field–World Rankings, accessed October 9, 2020, http://www.mastersathletics.net/fileadmin/html/Rankings/All_Time/200metresmen.htm. The author could not independently verify the Masters records for relays and races run in yards. However, Thane Baker has certificates stating the yards records.
  14. The author observed clothing, hats, plaques, certificates, letters, and memorabilia verifying much of this information. The author witnessed meets where Thane officiated, and she worked as a track and field official herself in some of them. Thane Baker also acted to bring the Olympics to Dallas in 2020.Rice University inducted the author into their Sports Hall of Fame the same year that Kansas State inducted Thane Baker into theirs.
  15. “All-Time Honors Award Winners,” NCAA, accessed October 9, 2020, http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/events/awards/all-time-honors-award-winners. This link describes the qualifications for the award: “Silver Anniversary Award: Honors Celebration,” NCAA, accessed October 9, 2020, http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/events/awards/silver-anniversary-award.