Deaths on April 4

Barney Ewell, American runner and long jumper (b. 1918)

Henry Norwood "Barney" Ewell, born on February 25, 1918, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and passing away on April 4, 1996, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was a remarkable American athlete whose journey from poverty to the Olympic podium captivated a nation. He emerged as one of the world's preeminent sprinters during the 1940s, a decade marked by global conflict and societal change, ultimately leaving an indelible mark on track and field with one gold and two silver medals at the 1948 Summer Olympics.

A Legacy Forged in Pennsylvania

Ewell's athletic prowess was evident from his formative years. He attended John Piersol McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he quickly established himself as the state's most formidable high school sprinter and jumper in the mid-1930s. His alma mater proudly remembers him; the school's stadium bears his name, a lasting tribute to his achievements. Furthermore, in 1988, during McCaskey High School's 50th-anniversary celebrations, Ewell was deservedly inducted into the J.P. McCaskey Athletic Hall of Fame. His exceptional career also garnered national recognition two years prior, when he was inducted into the prestigious National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1986, cementing his place among the sport's legends.

Collegiate Stardom and Wartime Interruption

Barney Ewell's true renown blossomed during his time as a student at Pennsylvania State University. Between 1940 and 1942, he dominated collegiate meets, primarily in the 100-meter and 200-meter races, amassing an impressive collection of 12 gold medals and championships. His success wasn't limited to the university circuit; he also excelled at the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) national meets, considered crucial stepping stones for Olympic hopefuls of the era, where he secured 11 gold medals from 1939 to 1948. Beyond his sprinting prowess, Ewell was an exceptional long jumper, demonstrating his versatility with a remarkable leap of 25 feet 2 inches (7.68 meters) in 1942. However, his burgeoning athletic career was put on hold by the call of duty; he served his country from 1941 to 1945 during World War II, a significant interruption for an athlete in his prime. Upon returning, he resumed his studies, successfully earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1947.

The Road to London: A Triumphant Comeback

Ewell's return to competitive athletics after his military service was nothing short of extraordinary, particularly given the age at which sprinters typically peak. Many were surprised when he not only made the 1948 Olympic team but did so in spectacular fashion. At the 1948 AAU championship, which doubled as the Olympic trials, Ewell equaled the world record in the 100-meter dash with a blistering time of 10.2 seconds, a testament to his enduring talent and sheer determination. This remarkable performance secured his place on the United States Olympic team bound for the XIV Olympiad in London.

Olympic Drama and Gold Medal Glory

The 1948 Summer Olympics in London provided a stage for Ewell's most memorable, and at times, most dramatic, performances. In the fiercely contested 100-meter final, he crossed the finish line believing he had won, only to learn that the victory had been awarded to his American teammate, Harrison Dillard, in an incredibly close finish. The 200-meter race brought another heart-stopping conclusion, with Ewell once again finishing second, this time to another compatriot, Mel Patton. The true Olympic drama, however, unfolded in the 4 × 100-meter relay. Ewell was added to the team at the last minute when Ed Conwell fell ill. The American quartet, including Ewell, confidently powered to what appeared to be an easy victory. Yet, their joy was short-lived as officials initially ruled that the baton exchange between Ewell and Lorenzo Wright had occurred outside the designated zone, leading to their disqualification. The team's hopes were dashed until, after a review of film footage of the race, the officials reversed their decision. This reversal finally secured Barney Ewell his coveted Olympic gold medal, a hard-earned reward after the emotional roller coaster of the Games.

Post-Olympic Career and Enduring Professionalism

Following his Olympic triumphs, Barney Ewell's amateur status was revoked due to the acceptance of gifts from his adoring fans, a common yet challenging aspect of athletic regulations in that era. Undeterred, he transitioned to professional competition, traveling extensively to showcase his talents. He competed across Australia and New Zealand, where professional track and field circuits offered new opportunities. The summer of 1950 saw him making a significant impact on the Scottish Border Games circuit, a historic series of athletic contests. During his time in Scotland, he lived for several weeks in the town of Bathgate. A highlight of his professional career there was winning one of the most prestigious sprints on the circuit, held at Jedburgh, where he ran off scratch over 120 yards in an impressive 11.37 seconds. Later that August, he participated in a special invitation handicap race over 120 yards at the renowned Powderhall venue, a notable event marking his time in Scotland. Running from the scratch mark, Ewell narrowly lost to Albert C Charles, who started with a 12.5-yard advantage, showcasing his continued competitiveness against formidable opposition. Ewell was also a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, a testament to his broader engagement and affiliations beyond the track.

Frequently Asked Questions About Barney Ewell

Who was Henry Norwood "Barney" Ewell?

Henry Norwood "Barney" Ewell was a celebrated American athlete and sprinter, renowned for his speed in the 1940s. He overcame a humble upbringing to win one gold and two silver medals at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London.

What were Barney Ewell's key achievements before the Olympics?

Before his Olympic debut, Ewell was a dominant force in collegiate track and field, winning 12 gold medals and championships at Pennsylvania State University between 1940 and 1942. He also secured 11 gold medals at AAU national meets from 1939 to 1948 and was an outstanding long jumper, leaping 25 feet 2 inches (7.68 meters) in 1942. He equaled the world record in the 100-meter dash at the 1948 Olympic trials.

How did World War II affect Barney Ewell's athletic career?

Ewell's career was interrupted by his service in World War II from 1941 to 1945. His successful return to elite competition and making the 1948 Olympic team after the war, particularly at an age considered mature for sprinters, was widely seen as a remarkable comeback.

What was the dramatic story behind his 1948 Olympic gold medal?

In the 1948 London Olympics, Ewell initially thought he had won the 100m but placed second to a teammate. He also finished second in the 200m. In the 4 × 100m relay, the American team, with Ewell, was initially disqualified due to an alleged out-of-zone baton exchange. However, after reviewing film footage, officials reversed the decision, finally awarding him the gold medal.

Why did Barney Ewell compete professionally after the Olympics?

After the 1948 Olympics, Barney Ewell lost his amateur status because he accepted gifts from his fans, which was against the rules for amateur athletes at the time. This led him to pursue a professional career, competing in various circuits in places like Australia, New Zealand, and Scotland.

Where is Barney Ewell honored today?

Barney Ewell is honored in several significant ways. His high school, John Piersol McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, dedicated its stadium in his name and inducted him into its Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988. He was also inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1986, recognizing his enduring contributions to the sport.