Century of the Century

George Simpson of Ohio State, holder of the world's unofficial record (9 4/10 sec.) for the 100 yd. dash, traveled about 1,200 miles to Denver for the 54th annual senior track meet of the National A. A. U. There, waiting to beat him, were Eddie Tolan, little bespectacled Negro from the University of Michigan and Western Conference champion; Frank Wykoff, defending A. A. U. champion; Claude Bracey, 1928 N. C. A. A. champion; Russell Sweet, Pacific A. A. U. champion; Cy Leland, Southern Collegiate champion. But George Simpson never ran. Two days before the race which somebody christened "the century of the century," practicing, he sprinted 50 yards, fell on his face. He had pulled a tendon. On the sidelines he stood two days later and watched the others run.

There had been sun and heat the first few days in Denver University's High Crescent Stadium which stands nearly a mile above sea level. But on the day of the race a chilly breeze blew down from Pike's Peak. It was evident that Simpson's record would not be equalled or broken.

At the crack of the gun Frank Wykoff, whom Charlie ("World's Fastest Human") Paddock picked as winner, was first out of his holes. He led at 20, 30, 40 yards. Bracey drew alongside him. They were even at 50 yards. Bracey went ahead, far ahead, led at 60, 70, 80. Russell Sweet drew even at 90, was a foot ahead at 95. Then out of nowhere appeared what looked like a little black ball. It was Eddie Tolan, 5 ft. 4 1/2 in. high, running so low his knees seemed to graze the ground, who hurled himself through the tape, won the windy race in 10 sec. flat. He explained: "I guess I'm built so low the wind just didn't hit me." Then he proceeded to win the 220-yard dash also. Herman Brix, Los Angeles A. C., hurled the 8-lb. shot 67 ft. 11 1/2 in. for the meet's only world's record.