Olympic Medalist John Woodruff Passes Away
Posted November 1st, 2007 at 6:48 PM by Martha Jones
Section: News & Results, Track & Field, Olympics
According to The New York Times, National Track & Field Hall of Famer John Woodruff died Tuesday in Fountain Hills, Ariz. He was 92.
Best known for his amazing come-from-behind victory in the 800 meters at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany, Woodruff died of atrial fibrillation and chronic renal failure.
Of the 12 American men who won gold medals at the 1936 Olympics, Woodruff was the last survivor.
While only a freshman at the University of Pittsburgh in 1936, Woodruff took the track world by storm by finishing second in the 800 meters at the National AAU meet, then winning the Olympic Trials.
Despite his inexperience, he was quickly established as the favorite at the Berlin Olympics. He didn’t disappoint, though he had an anxious moment in the final when he found himself boxed in. He pulled a tactical coup, virtually slowing to a stop and waiting until the entire field passed him, then moving into the third lane and sprinting from last to first. His winning time was 1:52.9.
During a career that was curtailed by World War II, Woodruff won three-straight national collegiate titles and also won the National AAU 880 crown in 1937. The American record holder at 800 meters with a 1:48.6 in 1940, Woodruff also held a share of the world 4×880-yard record while competing with the U.S. national team. He was inducted into the National Track & Field Hall of Fame in 1978.
A career army officer, Woodruff served in World War II and Korea. He is survived by his wife Rose and two children from a previous marriage, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Services are pending.
Written by: Tom Surber
Via: USA Track & Field
***Note: We encourage EVERYONE to see a doctor before altering their diet, taking a supplement and/or performing athletic, fitness or other strenuous physical activity. It is your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any information, instruction, opinion or advice contained in the content. Please also see our complete disclaimer.***
Tags: 800m, AAU, american record holder, Arizona, army, berlin olympics, death, dies, fountain hills, funeral, Hall of Fame, hall of famer, john woodruff, korea, korean war, National AAU 880 crown, National Track & Field Hall of Fame, New York Times, ny times, olympic medalist, pass away, services, USA Track & Field, usatf, world war II, wwII
Like what you see? Subscribe to our feed!
The Final Sprint