American sprinter and sailor who won two gold medals at the 1912 Summer Olympics and later became a successful sailor, winning several championships. He was also a naval officer and businessman.
Ralph Craig is most renowned for his exceptional sprinting skills, which earned him the title of "Sprint Double" winner at the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden. This remarkable achievement saw him take home gold medals in both the 100m and 200m races, creating history in the world of track and field.
Craig was born on June 21, 1889, in Detroit, Michigan. He developed an interest in track and field during his high school days at Detroit Central High School, where he initially focused on hurdles. Later, at the University of Michigan, Craig shifted his attention to sprinting and honed his skills under the guidance of coach Stephen Farrell.
In 1910, Craig won the IC4A 220-yard championship, a feat he repeated the following year. His outstanding performance secured him a spot on the US Olympic team, which traveled to Sweden for the 1912 Summer Olympics.
The Olympic stage saw Craig face stiff competition from his compatriot, Donald Lippincott, who had set a world record of 10.6 seconds in the 100m heats. However, Craig persevered and won the 100m final in 10.8 seconds. In the 200m event, he edged out Lippincott to claim his second gold medal, solidifying his position as a sprinting legend.
After his Olympic triumph, Craig retired from active sports participation, opting for a career in administration. He worked with the New York State Unemployment Bureau for many years, eventually becoming an alternate on the US yachting team at the 1948 London Olympics, where he carried the American flag during the opening ceremonies.
Ralph Craig passed away on July 21, 1972, at the age of 83, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the world of track and field. His younger brother, James B. Craig, also excelled in sports, earning a consensus selection to the 1913 College Football All-America Team.
Craig's remarkable achievements and dedication to the sport of track and field continue to inspire generations of athletes, solidifying his position as one of the greatest sprinters of all time.
Born in 1897
A Finnish running legend, known for dominating distance running in the 1920s, winning 12 Olympic medals and setting 22 official world records.
Born in 1900
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."
Born in 1897
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.
Born in 1899
A British Olympic gold medalist and Cambridge University student who broke athletic records and fought against class-based barriers, later becoming a journalist and lawyer.
Born in 1902
A Scottish athlete who won Olympic gold in the 400 meters at the 1924 Paris Games, and later dedicated his life to missionary work in China.
Born in 1894
An American middle-distance runner who won Olympic gold medals in the 5000 meters and cross-country events at the 1904 Summer Olympics. Known for being one of the earliest American athletes to achieve international success in track and field.
Born in 1900
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."
Born in 1895
American rugby player and sprinter who won two Olympic gold medals in the 1920s, setting multiple world records in the 100-meter dash. He was a pioneering athlete in both sports.
