Medal record | ||
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Men’s Athletics | ||
Representing United States | ||
Olympic Games | ||
1936 Berlin | High jump |
David Albritton | |
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Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 34th district |
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In office January 3, 1961–December 31, 1972 |
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Preceded by | None (First) |
Succeeded by | Ed Orlett |
Personal details | |
Born | April 13, 1913 |
Died | May 14, 1994 | (aged 81)
Political party | Republican |
David Donald Albritton (April 13, 1913 – May 14, 1994) had a long career that spanned three decades and numerous titles and was one of the first high jumpers to use the straddle technique. He was born in Danville, Alabama.
Albritton had a number of similarities with all-time great Jesse Owens. Both were born in Alabama, Albritton in Danville and Owens in nearby Oakville; both attended East Technical High School in Cleveland, Ohio; both attended the Ohio State University and were coached by Larry Snyder; both were members of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity; both competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics.
As a at Ohio State, Albritton won the National Collegiate Athletic Association championship in 1936.
In 1936, Albritton and Cornelius Johnson both cleared 6-9 3⁄4 (2.07 m) to set a world record at the Olympic Trials, becoming the first blacks to hold the world record in the event. Albritton was second to Johnson at the 1936 Summer Olympics, with a height of 6' 6 3⁄4" (2.00 m). He claimed the silver medal in a jump-off after he and two other jumpers cleared the same height.
Albritton and Johnson were snubbed by Hitler when they went to collect their medals.