Two of Nine

On Thursday, I went into New York City. My primary destination was the Forbes Gallery. I was headed there because I was aware that I could see some Olympic Gold Medals.
The National Jewelry Institute had put together an exhibit of Olympic Gold Medals, the oldest dated from 1908, 99 years ago; the newest from 2006. As a distance guy, the medals that meant the most were the distance medals. In the one hundred eleven years since the inception of the modern Olympics, the United States has won (if my count is right) only nine gold medals in distance running. By my count, the medals that we've won are: marathon, four, 1904 - Thomas Hicks, 1908 - Johnny Hayes*, 1972 - Frank Shorter, and 1984 - Joan Benoit; 10,000 meters, one, 1964 - Billy Mills; 5000 meters, one, 1964 - Bob Schul*; 3000 meters steeplechase, one, 1952 - Horace Ashenfelter; I recall that we one a gold in the 2500 meter steeple, but don't recall who won it, and I think there was one more (I have some homework to complete this post) and, I thnk one other. (The two medals marked with asterisks are on display.)
As a middle aged guy, I also enjoyed seeing the four gold medals won by the ageless Al Oerter in the discus (1956, 1960, 1964, 1968). And recall his efforts to return to high level competition back in the 1980's. This man, who recently passed away, was both an amazing competitior and his competition in middle age and later gives those of us who are seeing more salt than pepper in our hair, hope.
Regardless, several of the most important icons in American distance running are being displayed this fall in New York City. Yet, I suspect most runners who come into the city to run the New York City Marathon will have no idea that this exhibit is going on.
I was permitted, by special permission, to take photographs of the Johnny Hayes medal, and will link to where I post them.