Ralph Craig

Ralph Craig

Ralph Craig c. 1912
Personal information
Born	June 21, 1889 Detroit, Michigan, United States
Died	July 21, 1972 (aged 83) Lake George, New York, United States
Height	1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
Weight	73 kg (161 lb)
Sport
Sport	Sprint running
Club	Detroit Athletic Club
Medal record Representing the  United States Olympic Games 1912 Stockholm 100 metres 1912 Stockholm 200 metres

Ralph Cook Craig (June 21, 1889 – July 21, 1972) was an American athlete, winner of the sprint double at the 1912 Summer Olympics.

Craig began his track career as a hurdler at Detroit Central High School, and only later developed into a sprinter at the University of Michigan. In 1910, he won the IC4A 220 y championship, repeating this the following year.

In 1912, Craig qualified for the Olympic team and went to Sweden, where he reached the final of the 100m. A big favourite was his compatriot Donald Lippincott, who had set a World Record of 10,6 in the heats. After no less than seven false starts, Craig won the race in 10,8 – Lippincott only finished third. Craig fought out another battle with Lippincott in the 200m, edging him to win the 200 m title. Craig was not a part of the American 4 × 100 m relay team, which was disqualified and didn't medal.

Immediately after the Olympics, Ralph Craig retired from the sport, although his brother, Jimmy, became an All-American footballer in 1913.

In 1948, he made a return to the Olympics as an alternate on the US yachting team. Although he did not actually compete, Craig (59) carried the American flag at the opening ceremonies in London.

Craig was employed for many years as an administrator with the New York State Unemployment Bureau. He died at Lake George, New York.

In 2010 he joined the National Track and Field Hall of Fame.