David Donald ALBRITTON

Both Dave Albritton and Corny Johnson cleared 6-9¾ (2.07) at the 1936 Olympic Trials to become the first black athletes to hold the world high jump record. However, Albritton will be remembered best for his career's longevity. Apart from 1941 to 1943, when he was in the service, he competed in the AAU championship from 1936 through 1951. He finished first (or equal first) on five occasions, placed second once, and was third (or equal third) four times. Representing Ohio State he also finished first in the NCAA (1936-38) and was a notable performer on the indoor circuit, where his best mark was 6-8 (2.03), which he cleared in 1948 at the age of 34. He was also the first high jumper to win an Olympic medal using the straddle technique, which in the 1950s-60s, became the dominant style. Albritton later went on to a career as a politician and in 1966 was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives.

Personal Best: HJ – 2.076 (1936).