July 24, 1908 – There was some controversy at the London Olympic Marathon. American runner Johnny Hayes is given the Gold Medal for his finish with an Olympic record of 2:55:18.4. The Controversy was that Dorando Pietri of Italy had been disqualified for receiving assistance before the finish line.
Pietri had been the first athlete to enter the stadium where a crowd of onlookers anticipated him crossing the finish stripe first. Dorando had been helped over the finish line by British officials who were in charge of the games when he had been found to be struggling near the end of the race in what would have been a record pace.
Olympic rules stipulate that the runners must cross the finish line under their own power to be official. Many said this was the most exciting finish since Ancient Greek times when a race winner was said to have died crossing the line to win.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
Sports History On This Day: June 6
June 6, 1992 – Eddie Murray, the first baseman of the New York Mets knocked
No Potatoes For Fat Men! George Halas and the 1946 Chicago Bears
There are comebacks…and then there are comebacks! In 1946, the Chicago Bears won still
Sports History On This Day: June 5
June 5, 1952 – It is sports television history that occurred on this date! The
Sports History On This Day: June 4
June 4, 1927 – The very first Ryder Cup Golf tournament was held. Matches were
Sports History On This Day: June 3
June 3, 1937 – One of the most prolific power hitters of all time, Josh
Sports History On This Day: June 2
June 2, 1935 – All good things must come to an end, in fact even
Aaron Tallent: A Seasoned Communications Professional Shares Some Football Stories
Aaron Tallent rides shotgun in the DeLorean to take us back to the days
Sports History On This Day: June 1
June 1, 1923 – The New York Giants did something no one had done before