Background
He was born in Danville, Alabama.
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David Albritton
Edit ProfileEducation
Both were born in Alabama, Albritton in Danville and Owens in nearby Oakville. Both attended East Technical High School in Cleveland, Ohio. Both attended the Ohio State University.
Both were members of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
Both competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics.
Career
Albritton had a number of similarities with all-time great Jesse Owens. In 1936, Albritton and Cornelius Johnson both cleared 6-93⁄4 (207 m) to set a world record at the Olympic Trials, becoming the first blacks to hold the world record in the event. Albritton was second to Johnson at the 1936 Summer Olympics, with a height of 6" 63⁄4" (200 m).
He claimed the silver medal in a jump-off after he and two other jumpers cleared the same height.
Albritton and Johnson were snubbed by Hitler when they went to collect their medals. Albritton later became a high school teacher and coach.
He served in the Ohio House of Representatives for six terms. In 1980, he was inducted into the United States of America Track and Field Hall of Fame.
A historic marker honoring Albritton was unveiled on July 12, 2013 Danville, Alabama.
Achievements
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As a sophomore at Ohio State, Albritton won the National Collegiate Athletic Association championship in 1936. Albritton won or tied for seven National Amateur Athletic Union outdoor titles from 1936 to 1950. He was Amateur Athletic Union outdoor champion in 1937, 1946, and 1947 and tied for three national collegiate titles, in 1938, 1945, and 1950.
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Born
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Died
March 14, 1994 (aged 80) -
Nationality
United States -
Political Party
Republican party