Special Sub-Topic: Olympics: 100-Meter Dash Click Here To Play: Olympics: 100-Meter Dash

The United States has dominated the men's 100-meter dash since the modern Olympics began in 1896, but there have been winners from 7 other countries as well. The first non-American to win the gold medal was from which country?

South Africa. Reginald Walker of South Africa won gold in 1908, after the Americans had won the event in the first 3 Olympics.

The 1981 Oscar-winning movie, "Chariots of Fire", depicted the Olympic experience of the 1924 winner. What was the name of this gold medal winner in the 100 meters?

Harold Abrahams. Abrahams injured his thigh the following year and never raced again after that. He went on to have a successful career as a lawyer in his native Great Britain. Liddell was the other main character in "Chariots of Fire". A devout Christian, he declined to race in the 100 meters because it was being held on a Sunday, and he competed in (and won) the 400 meters instead.

In 1936, the 100-meter dash was one of 4 gold medals won by Jesse Owens, thereby putting the lie to Hitler's theory of Aryan superiority. However, Owens' reception back in the United States was not entirely positive. Which of the following is *not* one of the snubs Owens suffered after returning to the U.S.?

Denied a ticker tape parade. Owens did receive ticker tape parades in New York and in his native Cleveland. However, FDR not only refused to invite him to the White house, he never even sent a letter of congratulations. The AAU suspended him for not running in a Swedish meet, which he had never agreed to enter.

When was the first time that the 100-meter dash was won by the existing world record holder?

Armin Hary in 1960. The German Hary was also the first man to be credited with a time of 10.0 in the 100-meter dash.

Which was the first time a new men's world record in this event was set at the Olympics?

James Hines in 1968. 1968 marked the changeover to electronic timing (from tenths to hundredths of a second), and Hines was timed in 9.95. Hines' record stood for 15 years, an eternity as these things go. After the Olympics, Hines signed with the Miami Dolphins pro football team, but never played.

Who is the first man to win the 100-meter dash at an Olympics, and then repeat the feat four years later in the next Olympics?

Carl Lewis. Archie Hahn won in 1904, and then again two years later at the unofficial Olympics held in 1906. Lewis won gold in 1984 and again in 1988.

Who won the 1988 men's race, only to be stripped of his gold medal 3 days later for steroid use?

Ben Johnson. After Johnson's disqualification, Lewis was given the gold and Christie the silver. After his suspension ended, Johnson attempted a comeback, but with little success. He competed in the 1992 Olympics, but failed to make the final.

In which year was the women's 100-yard dash first run?

1928. In 1928, the women's 100-meter dash was the very first women's track and field event to ever be contested at the Olympics. The winner was Elizabeth Robinson of the USA.

Which womens' 100-yard dash winner was a survivor of childhood polio?

Wilma Rudolph. Rudolph lost the use of her left leg at an early age, and wore a brace from the age of 6. She gradually regained the use of her leg and at age 16 made the 1956 U.S. Olympic team. Then in 1960 she won gold at Rome. Quite an achievement considering her humble beginnings in rural Tennessee, as the 20th of her father's 22 children.

Which women's 100-meter dash winner was discovered, after 'her' death, to be a man?

Stella Walsh. Stella Walsh was the 1932 winner, and then finished 2nd to Helen Stephens in 1936. After the 1936 Olympics, some of Walsh's supporters accused Stephens of actually being a man. After Walsh's death in 1980, an autopsy was performed, and, in the ultimate irony, it was discovered that Walsh was a man.