Johnny HAYES
Elite long-distance runners like Italian PIETRI and American HAYES became the stars of a new form of sports entertainment that captivated audiences.
Johnny HAYES
Orphaned at the age of 19, HAYES worked in the New York subway to support his brothers and sisters. But it was in the Irish-American Athletic Club that he found solace and purpose. As the runner-up in the 1908 Boston Marathon, HAYES secured his spot in the prestigious London Olympics of the same year.
London 1908: the rise of Johnny HAYES
In the fourth Olympic marathon, HAYES initially stayed in the pack before gradually unleashing his power. He overtook the race leader, American Charles HEFFERON, who fell victim to stomach cramps after indulging in champagne just two kilometres from the finish line ! PIETRI was leading the race.
Londres 1908, cérémonie des médailles, John Joseph HAYES (USA) 1e (1908) by Comité International Olympique (CIO)The Olympic Museum
Complaint from the American Olympic Federation against PIETRI
Johnny HAYES claimed gold, while Italian runner, Dorando PIETRI, was disqualified.
Unfortunately for HAYES, the 1908 Olympic marathon was best remembered for its tragic ending.
Finishing just 30 seconds behind PIETRI, HAYES clocked an impressive time of 2 hours, 55 minutes and 18 seconds.
The Olympic Challenge for the marathon
Hayes received the Olympic Challenge Trophy for the marathon. This challenge, featuring Jean-Pierre CORTOT's " Soldier of Marathon Announcing the Victory ", was contested at the 1906, 1908 and 1912 Olympics.
Londres 1908, portraits de D. PIETRI (ITA) et J. J. HAYES (USA) 1e. (1908) by Comité International Olympique (CIO)The Olympic Museum
HAYES vs. PIETRI
Two exhibition races were organised at Madison Square Garden in New York in 1908 and 1909 between PIETRI and HAYES, with HAYES losing to the Italian on both occasions.
In 1912 HAYES became the coach for the American Olympic marathon team and a cross-country coach at Colombia University.
Tribute to HAYES
After HAYES' remarkable achievement, it took until 1972 and the arrival of Frank SHORTER for America to win another Olympic gold medal in the marathon.
For more information about the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, visit
https://olympics.com/museum
