Charles Reidpath - Definition and Overview

Charles Decker Reidpath (September 20, 1889 – October 21, 1975) was an American athlete, winner of two gold medals at the 1912 Summer Olympics.

Born in Buffalo, New York, it was while at Syracuse University 1908 - 1912 that Charles Reidpath became a collegiate track star, winning the 220 yd (201 m) and 440 yd (402 m) dashes in the 1912 intercollegiate games.

On graduating from Syracuse in 1912 with a degree in civil engineering, Charles Reidpath was pressured by relatives to quit sports and take a position with the family business in Buffalo. Instead, he made the U.S. Olympic track team, and headed to Stockholm, Sweden. Reidpath won the 400 m in an Olympic record shattering time of 48.2. Running the anchor leg of the 4 x 400 m relay, Reidpath helped the U.S. team set a world record of 3:16.6.

Away form sports, Charles Reidpath worked for the Berdencer construction company from 1912 through 1937, when he was named director of buildings for Buffalo. For 15 years he worked in the city department of public works, and in 1956 helped build the Federal Reserve Bank as superintendent of construction for architects.

Reidpath also had an outstanding military career. As a Lt. Colonel he served in England, France and Belgium in the Transportation corps during World War II winning battle stars for the Northern France and Rheinland campaigns. In Belgium he was made Officer of the Crown for his services at the vital port of Antwerp in 1944 and 1945. Charles Reidpath was made a Brig. General when he retired from the New York National Guard in 1948.

Charles Reidpath died in Kenmore, New York.

External link

• Charles Reidpath, Olympic Champion by Tim Evans (http://members.tripod.com/~laxman36/reidpath.html)