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
Australian Football League (AFL) Passion at Its Best: Inside a Lions Game
Brisbane Lions games offer an electrifying live experience filled with energy, tradition, and community
Sports History On This Day: May 29
May 29, 1971 – Happy birthday to Al Unser Sr.! The driver gave himself a
Sports History On This Day: May 28
May 28, 1957 – Major League Baseball’s National League executives approved the move of two
Sports History On This Day: May 27
May 27, 1968 – Football’s legendary player, owner, and founding NFL member George Halas retired
Sports History On This Day: May 26
May 26, 1974 – The words “Gentlemen start your engines,” was declared for the first
Sports History On This Day: May 25
May 25, 1919 – There are hidden talents to many of the athletes we celebrate
Indy 500 Race Day: On The Grid
In this episode, Tim Coffeen will take you inside the garage as an Indy
Sports History On This Day: May 24
May 24, 1935 – A landmark event occurred at the ballpark in Cincinnati, Ohio. President