Howard DREW

The first great black sprinter, Howard Drew competed in the 1912 Olympics while still in high school. Although 22 at the time, he had not started high school until he was 21, as he was a husband and father of two by then. He later graduated from Drake University and earned a law degree, and was called to the bar in both Connecticut and Ohio. He later became an assistant clerk to the city court in Hartford. In 1913-14 he set two world records over 100 yards, including the second IAAF-ratified mark in that event. He also ran the 220 y straight in 21.2 in 1914 to equal that world record. Drew was AAU champion over 100 y in 1912-13, 220 y in 1913, and the indoor 60 champion in 1913. At the 1912 Olympics, he also competed in the baseball demonstration event.

Personal Bests: 100y – 9.6 (1914); 100 – 10.6 (1912); 200 – 21.8s (1912).