I am in the middle of Don Bragg's terrific autobiography "A Chance to Dare". But one minor point has me wondering: Bragg writes about the US 1956 Trials:
"Jimmy Graham, a talented ..vaulter from Oklahoma, was scheduled to go to Melbourne, but he sprained his ankle. It... would have healed.., but the officials said...(a)lternate Bob Gutowski would vault in his place...Jimmy had earned the right..but they took it away and gave it to the Californian..."
As I remember the incident (I was quite young then), Graham voluntarily and gallantly gave Gutowski his spot because he felt Gutowski was the better vaulter. His judgment was likely vindicated, since Gutowski earned the silver behind Richards.
I realize I have no business arguing Pole Vault history with Mr.Bragg, but I was wondering if anyone out there remembers the story and can confirm one or the other version.
"Jimmy Graham, a talented ..vaulter from Oklahoma, was scheduled to go to Melbourne, but he sprained his ankle. It... would have healed.., but the officials said...(a)lternate Bob Gutowski would vault in his place...Jimmy had earned the right..but they took it away and gave it to the Californian..."
As I remember the incident (I was quite young then), Graham voluntarily and gallantly gave Gutowski his spot because he felt Gutowski was the better vaulter. His judgment was likely vindicated, since Gutowski earned the silver behind Richards.
I realize I have no business arguing Pole Vault history with Mr.Bragg, but I was wondering if anyone out there remembers the story and can confirm one or the other version.
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