Archie Hahn

Charles Archibald "Archie" Hahn (September 14, 1880 – January 21, 1955) was an American athlete, and one of the best sprinters in the early 20th century.

Related Topics:
September 14 - 1880 - January 21 - 1955 - American - Athlete - 20th century

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Having won sprint events at the 1903 American and Canadian championships, Hahn - born in Dodgeville, Wisconsin but running for the University of Michigan - was among the favourites at the 1904 Olympic Games in St. Louis, which was poorly attended by European athletes.

Related Topics:
1903 - Dodgeville, Wisconsin - University of Michigan - 1904 - Olympic Games - St. Louis - Europe

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In the first event at those Games, the 60 m, Hahn benefited from his quick start and won, making him a favourite for the remaining events he was entered in, the 100 m and 200 m. His run in the 200 m final delivered him the gold and a good time, although the latter was flattered, because the race was run on a straight course. In his third event, he again outclassed the field, thus winning all sprint events.

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In 1906, the "Milwaukee Meteor" repeated his Olympic 100 m victory in Athens, a feat not equalled until 1988, when Carl Lewis won the 100 m twice in a row (albeit after disqualification of Ben Johnson).

Related Topics:
1906 - 1988 - Carl Lewis - Ben Johnson

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After his running career, Archie Hahn became a coach and wrote the classic book How to sprint. He died in 1955, in Charlottesville, Virginia.

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