Yellow Journalism

[DoubleRBar]

Happy birthday today (Wednesday) to an Olympic champion who competed in only one Olympic Games and was not the favorite going into those Games.

Our birthday athlete was born the same day (and on the same continent) that the U.S.S. Maine exploded in Havana Harbor (Cuba), triggering the start of the Spanish-American War.

You might have an idea that this athlete did not compete in the hurdles at those Olympic Games. You would be correct about that.

This individual won that Olympic gold medal approximately 3,743 miles (6,024 kms) from the place where this person was born.

Born 125 years ago today, our birthday champion died a few days before Thanksgiving in 1982 at the age of 84.

The last name of our birthday person is a compound word, consisting of two common words. One of those words is something you could find in a forest and the other word is something people (men & women) can wear.

Time to name this Olympic champion on this seventh Wednesday of 2023.

Thank you very much for not using any research when answering this question: Who is our birthday athlete today?

Good luck.

[LopenUupunut]

Allen Woodring

[DoubleRBar]

Allen Woodring was born in Pennsylvania 125 years ago today. Nice going, LopenUupunut.

Allen Woodring was fifth place at the 200 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for the U.S. Olympic Trials in 1920. The U.S. took the top four finishers to the Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium (1920). Can you imagine that he actually won the 200 in Belgium?

Charlie Paddock won the U.S. Trials at the 200 and was the favorite for the Olympic gold medal. Paddock won the 100 in Antwerp, just four days before the 200 final.

George Massengale was the fourth place finisher at the U.S. Trials in Cambridge, however he withdrew from the Olympic competition because of rheumatism. That withdrawal put Allen Woodring on the U.S. team to Belgium and the rest is track & field history.

Charlie Paddock ran the Olympic 200 final in lane four and Allen Woodring was in lane three, with a clear view of the favorite for the gold medal. Paddock led the race until about 20 meters from the finish line. That's when Woodring edged Paddock for the Olympic gold medal. Paddock had to settle for the Olympic silver medal.

If you are wondering about the title of this thread (Yellow Journalism), wonder no more. William R. Hearst was responsible for that. His newspapers used a very successful blend of investigative reporting and sensationalism (called "Yellow Journalism"). Some even say that Hearst's tactics led to the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine in Havana Harbor in 1898.

What does this have to do with Allen Woodring? Like the explosion in Havana Harbor on his birthday, Allen Woodring exploded into Olympic history with his upset victory in Belgium. Not every Olympic champion has such a historical birthday (Tommie Smith was born on D-Day), but it's fun to look back at the athlete and the history.

Hope it was fun for you.

Thank you, LopenUupunut.

[mcgato]

If you are wondering about the title of this thread (Yellow Journalism), wonder no more. William R. Hearst was responsible for that. His newspapers used a very successful blend of investigative reporting and sensationalism (called "Yellow Journalism"). Some even say that Hearst's tactics led to the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine in Havana Harbor in 1898.
.

Charles Foster Kane: Read the cable.
Mr. Bernstein: "Girls delightful in Cuba. Stop. Could send you prose poems about scenery, but don't feel right spending your money. Stop. There is no war in Cuba, signed Wheeler." Any answer?
Charles Foster Kane: Yes. "Dear Wheeler: you provide the prose poems. I'll provide the war."

[Davidokun]

When I was in elementary school a somewhat controversial local newspaper columnist visited one of my classes. My parents heard about his visit in advance, and coached me to raise my hand during the anticipated question-and-answer session.

Columnist: "Any questions?"

Davidokun: "What is yellow journalism?"

Columnist: "Is that a question or an accusation?"

Davidokun: "It's a question."

Columnist: "Yellow journalism is..."

That evening my parents asked me how it went, and I reported the results. They laughed and laughed.

[DoubleRBar]

I loved your story, Davidokun.

[Davidokun]

I loved your story, Davidokun.

Thank you very much. We—my siblings and I—are very fortunate.

[GillBrakerson]

Wow, what an interesting question! It sounds like a real brain-teaser! It's a great way to celebrate the birthday of an Olympic champion...but who is it? It's really making me think. I'm sure someone will be able to figure it out. In the meantime, I wanted to make sure you knew about a great resource that I use to stay up to date on current events: BusinessMole. It's a reliable source that provides accurate news and information, so you can stay informed without having to worry about "yellow journalism" or false information. Check it out - it's a great way to stay informed about what's going on in the world!