Frank Haller, American boxer (b. 1883)

Frank Bee Haller, born on January 6, 1883, in the vibrant city of San Francisco, California, etched his name into the annals of American boxing history as a distinguished featherweight professional. His athletic prowess shone brightest at the dawn of the twentieth century, culminating in a remarkable silver medal victory at the 1904 Summer Olympics. A dedicated competitor, Haller's journey through the boxing world exemplified the spirit of the era's emerging professional sports. He passed away on April 30, 1939, in St. Louis, Missouri, the very city where he achieved his greatest Olympic triumph.

The 1904 St. Louis Olympics: A Unique Sporting Stage

The III Olympiad, held in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1904, was a pivotal yet peculiar event in Olympic history. Coinciding with the World's Fair, these Games were notable for their extended duration and the predominantly American participation, largely due to the difficulties and costs of international travel at the time. It was in this unique setting that boxing made its debut as an official Olympic sport. Unlike modern boxing events that feature numerous weight classes and extensive international representation, the 1904 boxing tournament was a more intimate affair, showcasing a smaller pool of American talent. Frank Bee Haller competed in the featherweight division, a class typically reserved for boxers weighing up to 126 pounds (approximately 57 kg), demanding both speed and agility.

Haller's Olympic Journey: From Semifinal to Silver

At the heart of the 1904 Olympic boxing competition, Frank Bee Haller embarked on a journey that would see him secure an Olympic medal. His path to the final included a compelling victory over fellow American Frederick Gilmore in the semifinal round, a testament to his skill and determination. This win propelled him into the gold medal match. However, in a fiercely contested final, Haller faced another formidable American, Oliver Kirk. Kirk, a remarkable athlete, would go on to make history at these very Games by winning not only the featherweight gold against Haller but also the bantamweight gold, an unprecedented double victory in two different weight classes at a single Olympics. Despite a valiant effort, Haller ultimately earned the silver medal, a significant achievement that firmly established his place among the early American Olympic heroes.

Beyond the Ring: A Life Concluded

While Frank Bee Haller's most prominent moment came with his Olympic silver medal, his life continued beyond the glare of the Olympic spotlight. Born in San Francisco, a city known for its vibrant history and diverse population, Haller's roots were on the West Coast. His eventual passing in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 30, 1939, brought his life full circle, connecting his final resting place to the city that hosted his greatest sporting triumph. Though details of his post-Olympic life are less widely documented, his legacy as an American Olympic medalist endures, symbolizing the early spirit of amateur boxing and the nascent stages of professional sports.

Frequently Asked Questions about Frank Bee Haller

When was Frank Bee Haller born and when did he pass away?
Frank Bee Haller was born on January 6, 1883, and he passed away on April 30, 1939.
What was Frank Bee Haller's profession?
He was an American featherweight professional boxer.
What was his significant achievement at the Olympics?
He won a silver medal in Boxing at the 1904 Summer Olympics in the featherweight division.
Who did he compete against in the 1904 Olympic boxing final?
He lost to fellow American Oliver Kirk in the featherweight final, securing the silver medal. He had previously defeated Frederick Gilmore in the semifinal.
Where were the 1904 Summer Olympics held?
The 1904 Summer Olympics were held in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
What was unique about Oliver Kirk's performance at the 1904 Olympics?
Oliver Kirk, who defeated Haller for the featherweight gold, also uniquely won a gold medal in the bantamweight division at the same Games, making him the only boxer to win two gold medals in two different weight classes at a single Olympic event.
What weight class did Frank Bee Haller compete in?
He competed in the featherweight class, which typically had an upper limit of around 126 pounds (approximately 57 kg) at that time.
Where was Frank Bee Haller born and where did he die?
He was born in San Francisco, California, and died in St. Louis, Missouri.