Barney Ewell

Henry Norwood "Barney" Ewell (February 25, 1918 - April 4, 1996) was an American athlete, winner of one gold and two silver medals at the 1948 Summer Olympics.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Born into poverty in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Barney Ewell was one of the world's leading sprinters of the 1940s.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He was the state's greatest high school sprinter-jumper in the mid-1930s, but he first achieved renown while a student at Pennsylvania State University, running the 100 m and 200 m races and winning 12 gold medals and championships in collegiate meets between 1940 and 1942. He also won 11 gold medals in AAU national meets between 1939 and 1948. He was an outstanding long jumper as well, leaping 25 feet 2 inches (7.68 m) in 1942.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He served his country during the years 1941 - 1945, returned to the university and received his B.S. degree in 1947. He surprised everyone by making the 1948 Olympic team, equalling he world record of 10.2 in the 100 m dash at the 1948 AAU championship, which was also the Olympic trials.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

At the Olympic Games in London, he thought he had won 100 m only to learn the victory was given to teammmate Harrison Dillard. In the 200 m, Ewell had another close finish and again finished second - this time to teammate Mel Patton. He was added to the 4 x 100 m relay when Ed Conwell became sick and the American team rolled to an easy victory. However, the exchange between Ewell and Lorenzo Wright was ruled out of the zone and the Americans was disqualified. After viewing a film of the race, however, officials reversed the ruling, and Barney Ewell finally had his Olympic gold medal.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Barney Ewell died in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

February 25: February 25 is the 56th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 309 days remaining, 310 in leap years....

1918: 1918 was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar....

1996: 1996 is a leap year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated the International Year for the Eradication of Poverty....

Barney Ewell related Images and Photos (experimental)

Barney Miller	Barney Miller	Barney Bobblehead	Old Barney
Barney: Families Are Special	The Flintstones: Barney Rubble Teen Costume	The Flintstones: Barney Rubble Adult Costume	The Simpsons Barney Bobblehead
The Flintstones: Barney Rubble Plus Size Adult Costume	Tom Ewell - The Girl Can't Help It	Barney Kessel Japanese release of the Carmen Album	Barney Kessel Japanese release of the Carmen Album