An American sprinter who won five Olympic medals, including three golds, and set multiple world records in the 100-yard and 220-yard dashes. He was also an actor, starring in several films and television shows.
Jackson Scholz, nicknamed "The New York Thunderbolt," is renowned for being the first person to appear in an Olympic sprint final in three different Olympic Games. This exceptional American sprint runner made history in the 1920s with his remarkable athleticism and speed.
Born on March 15, 1897, in Buchanan, Michigan, Scholz was the son of Susan and Zachary Scholz. He attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, where he became a member of the Kappa Alpha Order and later joined the New York Athletic Club.
Scholz's Olympic journey began in 1920 at the Antwerp Olympics, where he won a gold medal with the American 4 x 100 meters relay team. Individually, he placed fourth in the 100 meters event. That same year, he equaled the World Record in the 100 meters, running an impressive 10.6 seconds in Stockholm.
Four years later, at the 1924 Paris Olympics, Scholz was one of the favorites to win the sprint titles in the 100 and 200 meters events. He lived up to expectations in the 200 meters, but was beaten to the gold in the 100 meters by Britain's Harold Abrahams. This iconic 100 meters race, as well as the 400 meters race won by Eric Liddell, were later depicted in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire.
Scholz made his third Olympic appearance in 1928, where he placed fourth in the 200 meters event as the reigning champion.
After retiring from athletics, Scholz pursued a successful career as a writer. In 1984, at the age of 87, he appeared in an American Express credit card commercial, "Don't leave home without it," alongside actor Ben Cross, who portrayed Harold Abrahams in Chariots of Fire. In the commercial, Scholz humorously remarked, "You didn't beat me," to Cross, showcasing his wit and charm.
Scholz was inducted into the USATF Hall of Fame, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the world of athletics. He passed away on October 26, 1986, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire future generations of athletes.
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American sprinter who won two Olympic gold medals and set multiple world records in the 100-yard dash, earning the nickname "World's Fastest Human."
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American middle-distance runner who won two Olympic gold medals and set multiple world records in the 1930s. He was a dominant force in the sport during his era.
