Harry GOELITZ

Harry Goelitz was a versatile athlete who finished in the top four in the AAUs in four different events – 110 hurdles, 200 hurdles, 400 hurdles, and the decathlon. He won the 110 hurdles in 1914. In the decathlon, his Olympic event, he was fourth in 1915 and 1920. Goelitz was US all-around champion in 1913 and 1917. In 1913 he won the International Games decathlon in Chicago, only the second decathlon ever contested in the United States, which was his only decathlon title. Goelitz competed at the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago, helping Illinois win the Penn Relays 4x880 yd relay.

Goelitz attended Oak Park-River Forest High School in a Chicago suburb, where he starred in both football and track. He lived all his life in Oak Park, where his family had started a pioneer paving contracting business. Goelitz worked in the family business. He retired somewhat early but stayed active with gardening, fishing, and horse riding.

Personal Best: Decathlon – 5,802 (1920).