A Brief History
On August 3, 1936, James Cleveland “Jesse” Owens won the 100-meter dash at the Berlin Olympics and blazed into the record books. Owens went on to everlasting fame by winning 4 Gold Medals in those summer games, proving to Hitler and Nazi Germany that Aryans were not the “master race.” But what about the guy that came in second in that historic race? That man was Ralph Metcalfe.
Digging Deeper
Born in Atlanta in 1910 and raised in Chicago, Metcalfe, once co-holder of the world record for the 100-meter dash, was no slacker himself, winning silver medals in the 100 meter dash in 2 Olympics. In 1934 and 1935, before Jesse Owens’ rise to the top, Metcalfe was considered the fastest man on the planet. Metcalfe also picked up a Gold Medal in the 4 x 100 meter relay in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, and had once held the 200 meter dash record as well.
Not just a fantastic track athlete, Metcalfe made good use of a track scholarship to Marquette, earning his Bachelor’s degree in 1936. A true scholar-athlete, he went on to UCLA and earned a Master’s degree in 1939, quite an accomplishment for a black man in pre-World War II America.
As a teacher of political science at Xavier University (in New Orleans), Metcalfe went on to mold young people and during World War II he served as a transportation officer, earning a Legion of Merit Medal along the way. After the war, Metcalfe returned to Chicago and got a job as head of the Illinois State Athletic Commission. Metcalfe then went into politics, winning 4 elections as an Alderman in Chicago, and in 1970 he became a Democratic Congressman for Illinois’ first district. Known to stick up for his constituents, Metcalfe had disagreements with Mayor Richard Daley over the use of police force, and in Congress he co-founded the Congressional Black Caucus. After serving 4 terms in Congress, Metcalfe died of a heart attack at his home in 1978.
Before his death, Metcalfe had been inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1975, and he had also served on the President’s Commission on Olympic Sports.
Honor student, Olympian and World Record sprinter, Metcalfe excelled at many things. As a decorated Army officer, successful politician, husband and father, the guy that finished second to Jesse Owens in the 1936 Olympics finished second to no one in life. His exemplary life and careers are as stark contrast to the list of “10 Sports Scandals” we also published on August 3 and another list we published on October 5, “1 + 9 More Sports Scandals” and are a reminder that some things are right with the world after all.
Question for students (and subscribers): Who is your favorite Olympic athlete? Please let us know in the comments section below this article.
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please read…
Large, David Clay. Nazi Games: The Olympics of 1936. W. W. Norton & Company, 2007.
Streissguth, Tom. Jesse Owens (Just the Facts Biographies). Lernerclassroom, 2005.
The featured image in this article, a photograph of Jesse Owens (left), Ralph Metcalfe (second left), Foy Draper (second right), and Frank Wykoff (right), the USA 4×100 metres Relay Team at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, is in the public domain, because its copyright has expired and its author is anonymous.
You can also watch a video version of this article on YouTube:
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="3403 http://www.crackedhistory.com/?p=3403">172 Comments
This is an example of no one remembers who finished second…maybe a big reason I am well aware of Jesse Owens is due to his Ohio roots but nonetheless I’ve never heard of Metcalfe before.
Impressive list of accomplishments
Interesting, I had never heard of Metcalfe before reading this article.
Metcalfe needed more recognition! Perhaps people recognized his name in the beginning, but then as time goes on it becomes more and more difficult to remember who ran against who (ex. such as Presidential races, American Idol final two, etc…).
What an amazing man! That is a life to be proud of! — DAVID WARDLE
I never even heard of him before now, guessing because he wasn’t the “winner”. But it was very interesting to me to find out he got is bachelors and masters degree in school.
Wow I am shocked at how much this man achieved! It just goes to show that coming in second is not the end of the world. He certainly deserved more recognition for his achievements.
This is definitely a crucial part in sports history because African Americans were treated so much differently back then.
Coming in 2nd to Jesse Owens is still a huge accomplishment in its self.
It is quite unfortunate that Hitler did not take a hint from Owens that Aryans were not the perfect race. It may have changed the future of he would have taken the time to notice.
I would of loved to see Hitler’s face at that Olympic games.
What a great guy , and all he had accomplished especially in that time period , amazing !
Gotta love when Track and Field is in history!!!
Awesome that this event occurred in front of Hitlers face. I wonder what his thoughts were?
I’m sure Hilter’s followers were second guessing the idea that Aryans were the superior race after Owens won.
One or two examples within a given population are generally statistical outliers; if a representation of the “Aryan” population gave a picture that presented “perfection” in general compared to that of other races, one would have a convincing (to the layman) argument from which to continue justifying the Ubermensch label being applied to Aryans.
Going off a point mentioned by someone else, being second is not the end of the world, but look at the difference in recognition. Jesse Owens was all I had ever heard about in classes, Metcalfe was never mentioned once. In fact, I had never even heard of this guy until reading this article. It’s stupid to think that even though he has all of these accomplishments, he is overshadowed by the fact that he came in second at the Olympics.
I have never heard anything about him but his story is good.
It is amazing accomplishment that he never giveup by being the second. He should listen to people around him + focusing on his skills to reach his goals.
I wonder why No one talked about Ralph Metacalf? I have never heard of the man until this article. He did more than just win medals. He was in a congress. I really believe this guy should be talked about more.
Metcalfe seems to be a very honorable student, athlete, and teacher. He deserves more public recognition.
I thought this article was very interesting because I ran track throughout HS and it shows how such hard work can be done and accomplished if one puts their mind to it.
Metcalfe had numerous amazing accomplishments and should be talked about more.
I picked out the bit about him having a heart attack. He was an Olympian runner, so you’d think his heart would’ve been in top condition. However, there are many factors as to why a heart attack occurs. Anyway, he seemed to enjoy a full life and excelled.
Even though he finished second he went on to do some pretty amazing things with his life.
Its inspiring to learn about Metcalfe, he achieved many major accomplishments in his life. He deserves more recognition.
Just because you finish second, does not mean you are not a great person.
It sounds like Metcalfe was an exceptional man who truly tried to make a difference during his life!
The person in second never gets any attention. But to be a athlete and a scholar is something pretty impressive. Usually its one or the other and not both. If I was him I would be proud of my self even if I did not win first.
I think it was really smart of him to make use of the scholarship and further his education.
I find it interesting how many different things Metcalfe achieve in his life time.
Metcalfe accomplished many other thing besides just running.
Metcalfe seemed to be a very accomplished individual. This shows that coming in second isn’t always that bad.
Metcalfe achived a lot in his life time. His scholarship really helped him and he was a really inspirational person that made a difference in his lifetime.
Even though Metcalfe came in second he still has a lot to be proud of, because of all the other accomplishes he made.
Metcalfe accomplished so much. Coming in second is not always a bad thing. If you did your best that is all that matters.
There’s no shame in losing to arguably one of the best sprinters ever.
Metcalfe definitely lived a full life! Being second place in the Olympics definitely isn’t a bad thing!
I think both of these men were amazing athletes
I still think that Metcalfe was a talented athlete.
Metcalfe should be very proud of his amazing accomplishments. Interestingly, there are so many examples where the difference between first and second is so small, but no one remembers second.
Sometimes people don’t remember 2nd place, especially if you are runner up to arguably the greatest sprinter of all time, Jesse Owens, but Metcalfe still accomplished a lot and should be proud of himself
I bet Hitler was mad when he won.
Metcalfe accomplished a lot and i believe he did the best he could
Its crazy cause the tension was real but this picture shows it didnt havr to be that way
Of course it would have been amazing if you beat Jesse Owens, but Metcalfe should stand tall and proud. Everyone is saying no one remembers second, but people will always ask about Metcalfe
Athletes do not necessarily have to be positive role models, but it sure is nice to see the ones that are.
Jesse Owens and Jackie Robinson helped shape racial sports. and im glad jesse won 4 gold medals under the hitler regime in the olympics. but metcalfe deserves more credit than we hear today. ive never actually heard of people talking about second or third. only first.
Jesse and was one of the best in the sport and Metcalfe was no pushover even though he lost he was a good sport and was a great person.
Jesse Owens helped shape sports for many african americans!
Jesse Owens did great things for all African American athletes at the time and he was very influential. It is also impressive that he was so successful at the Olympics which was during a very trying time for all minority groups.
I still love Jesse Owens! He was an outstanding track athlete and someone any track runner can look up to. It is even better that he went to OSU
Metcalfe sure was such a well-rounded, accomplished man. It is inspiring that he used his track scholarship to earn his bachelors at Marquette considering college sports require a lot of time just like school does. -ACL
Metcalfe was a very determined man. He did not let anything get in his way, and let nothing get him down. He went on to teach political science and molded young people in WW2 as a transport officer. He accomplished so much aside from racing Jess Owens.
I have really never heard about Metcalfe before, it was vary interesting to learn about him.
I had never heard of Ralph but I’m glad this website notices people other than the ones who are most well known today.
I agree with EK. I find it great that other famous people are starting to be recognized more. Metcalfe seemed to be such a hard working man. I love hearing of stories like this.
Metcalfe lived an incredibly impressive life. He excelled in sports, service to his country, and in his career. He has a very inspiring story.
Both athletes are winners, for different reasons, in my mind.
Metcalf is not someone I had ever heard of before and find his story very admirable as a student-athlete. He excelled in the classroom and on the track. Competitive training will end at some point and after that you have your education to lead you the rest of your way through life.
I think that both of the athletes are winners. I have never heard of Metcalf before but I do think he was admirable.
I know Metcalf from the movie race. but i still think that he did absolutely amazing for the us Olympic teams
They are both very successful athletes and people at that so in the big scheme of things they both won.
I think that they both had successful athletes in the bigger picture of things, and had amazing Olympic careers.
I can honestly say I have never heard Metcalfe. He may have finished second in the race, which by the way is still amazing, but he persevered in his life time. Maybe coming in second spurred his drive to succeed. He sure did the opposite and sometimes the impossible for a black man in those days.
After not knowing about Metcalfe until reading this article, I am glad I was able to read about such an inspirational person. It is amazing how much he was able to accomplish!
Overall, I think the Metcalfe lived a very accomplished and noteworthy life. Earning a master’s degree and getting a teaching position at Xavier University is a very noteworthy accomplishment considering the discriminatory nature toward African Americans of the time.
I think that being an Olympian at all is an incredible accomplishment and something to be highly respected. The fact that Metcalfe came in second is even more inspirational!
It is interesting to see that such an amazing athlete was not as well known because of the spotlight on Jesse Owens. I believe that he should get more credit for all of his accomplishments on and off the track.
I wish Ashland had professors that were former Olympic athletes.
I have never heard of Ralph Metcalfe before this article. I of course had hear of Jesse Owens, but it is interesting to hear about all that Metcalfe had accomplished not only as an athlete, but as a student as well.
It is a great article. Before I read the article, I did not know the story about the athletes. It shows us the great athletes– Ralph Metcalfe’s and Jesse Owens’s legend lives.
Great article. I always loved hearing about Jesse Owens because he proved something to people at the time who did not necessarily believe in equality. I never heard the other side, the side about the individual who had lost to him before now.
Jesse Owens is one of the great athletes that I heard about and remember. He was so awesome and it was so great to learn more about him in this article.
This is the first I have learned of Ralph Metcalfe and his accomplishments. It seems unfair that he is overshadowed by Jesse Owens.
Ralph Metcalfe was definitely no slacker in anything he attempted. Ralph and Jesse represented the USA well at the 1936 Olympics.
I’ve never heard of Ralph Metcalfe. This is like the saying “if you’re not, you’re la.” But instead, “if you’re not first, you’re somewhat forgotten about.”
I am a little familiar with Ralph Metcalfe and his successful track career but I did not know that he graduated with his bachelor’s and was into politics late in his career.
I think that Ralph Metcalfe is an incredible Olympian regardless of what he placed in the race. It is impressive that he made it that far and placed second.
I have never heard of Ralph Metcalfe and it is sad that he is not talked about more. There are so many people in history that are overlooked for their accomplishments.
Ralph Metcalfe was not only talented on the track, but in the classroom. He is a great role model for student athletes to remind them that after their athletic career is finished, their schooling is what is going to take them places in life. Athletics is temporary but your education will be the foundation of the rest of your life.
Even though Metcalfe came second to Owens in an Olympic race, he defintley did not come in second in life. He was an accomplished politician, Olympian, and a decorated military officer.
Metcalfe accomplished quite a lot in his life. He deserved that spot in the Hall of Fame.
Overall, Ralph Metcalfe was quite accomplished in both his athletic and academic career. In my opinion, Metcalfe should be more proud in becoming a college professor at Xavier and winning four elections in Chicago. These personal/academic accolades are much more impressive then athletic.
So often you do not know anything about the runner up individual. It is great that Metcalfe was recognized as it sounds like he deserved it.
Great article. I always enjoyed hearing about Jesse Owens, so hearing about who lost to him is interesting to hear about.
It is a great article. Before I read the article, I did not know the story about the athletes. It shows us the great athletes– Ralph Metcalfe’s and Jesse Owens’s legend lives.
This is the first time I have ever heard of Ralph Metcalfes and the accomplishments that he had made. It is interesting to learn that he was never really talked about even when he came in second.
I always like reading more about Jesse Owens. It was also nice to learn about Ralph Metcalfe.
You always hear about Jesse Owens, but you never heard of the guy second to him. This was a cool read.
This is the first time I heard about Metcalfe. He was a very interesting man that had a lot of accomplishments, definitely a man to look up to.
Growing up I had always heard of Jesse Owens, but never the guy who came in second, this was interesting to read. Usually not many people care about a second place winner, but it was cool to see an article showcase that.
What makes it all the more sweet was the fact they both salted Hitler.. that and its awesome that Jesse went to Ohio state.
You always hear about the first place but never the second, which is sometimes a shame because the second placer also achieves a great deal.
Iam very happy for him , it paved a way for African Americans in the sports world. The second place guy Ralph is pretty impressive and those are beyond good numbers when i use to run track i wasn’t near close to them.
I had never heard about Metcalfe until now.
If you’re not first you’re last. may be why we never hear of the second place winners
I’ve never heard of him before which is a shame since he accomplished so much!
I like to hear stories about people who are mostly not heard of, just because he finished second dosent mean he is any less of a competitor.
it’s disappointing that these people that achieve so much in life aren’t heard about. The man came in second so he isn’t followed but the things he has achieved is astonishing.
It’s hard to believe that he was once considered the fastest man on the planet and yet no one has really heard of him. it’s a sad story.
I cannot believe I have never heard Metcalfe before. He will probably always overlooked by Jesse Owens and that is sad, more people should know about him.
It is sad that those who come in second are always over looked by those who come in first place. I think we should learn more about those who come in second in any race, such as Metcalfe.
I’ve never heard of him before. He had some great athletic accomplishments in his life
I wish people were as intense about the Olympics now as they were back then.
Some great accomplishments that were never made popular because he was not the best. The Olympics should have a where are they now segment.
I had never heard of Ralph Metcalfe, but watching the video put into perspective just how fast these guys were. Amazing athleticism!
The stories of first always come out but not second. “If you’re not first you’re last” is kinda true when it comes to history.
I wonder if Metcalfe is as well known in his country as Jesse Owens is in America.
Had no idea that the man who finished second to Jesse Owens had done so many other great things that no one really knew about.
I never heard of Metcalfe before. Goes to show you, we are so consumed with the winners and should appreciate everyone who works hard and make a difference.
I love hearing stories of those that are able to excel in multiple fields. It amazes me how some people are able to be so athletically and intellectually talented!
This story is funny because it’s crazy how a great athlete like this gets forgotten because he finished second rather than first. Shows the culture of sports in this country.
That is the way it always is lets forget the second place person.
They were great athletes and the way he showed Hitler was amazing.
I love stories like this that give us a glimpse into an amazing life that no one knows about.
What a great story on someone who deserves this recognition!
Even though he came in second to Owens, it seems he came in first place in a lot of other people’s lives.
It’s stories liekthese that we should hear more about
These men were amazing athletes. Making it to the Olympics is quite an accomplishment. The fact that Metcalfe obtained a master’s degree in 1939 is a serious accomplishment (Being a black man during that time period). Metcalfe impressively served four terms in congress during his life.
Both great runner. Another great runner who should be mentioned is Steve Prefontaine. Different time period but he was such a great runner who was taken from this Earth to early in life.
I had never heard of Metcalfe before this article. Metcalfe should have received more recognition for his life accomplishments that way minorities see that anything is possible.
It is sad that Metcalfe was not recognized for his accomplishments. He sounds like a wonderful man and should receive the notice he deserves.
What it sad about this story is that a great man that accomplish lot in his life time never got the recognized because he came in second. I think society needs to stop looking at think from the surface and really look at the great people we have around us. Don’t judge a book by his cover should be everyone motto.
Great representation by our nation during such turbulent times.
I love stories like this that give us a glimpse into an amazing life that no one knows about.
What an awesome story! There are so many deeper stories that go untold in life because we all have a habit of just focusing on the winner. This is a true example of experiences being about the journey and process rather than the goal or destination itself.
I always like hearing stories like this let us hear about second place and know their story.
Both Owens and Metcalf are great examples of how to place yourself into the history books. Both men were hard working and dedicated to their dreams. They also brought notoriety to the black race a being competitive to the rest of the world.
I like hearing stories like this. you always hear about the winners and not the one in second place. Metcalf was a great guy and did a lot for his country and state of Illinois.
There will always be that person who was second in a race of some sort and you don’t hear too much about him. I’m sure there are people who finished after Michael Phelps who are just as good as him but didn’t finish first.
I like what you said about the people who finished after Michael Phelps. It is ashame that so many people with amazing talent go unrecognized because they didn’t finish first.
He should have gotten just as much attention as Jesse Owens did.
After reading this article again, I realized how many things that he actually did accomplish. This is something that needs to be mentioned because of his race. It was unlike African Americans to be able to accomplish so much during that time.
It’s highly unfortunate that Metcalfe has received such little recognition for being such a large contribution to the world!
Metcalf led an honorable life. Rarely do second place athletes receive the attention as the first.
Metcalfe lived an honorable life. To finish second to the great Jesse Owens still is quite a feat.
He may have finished second, but he accomplished more than Jesse Owens did. Serving his country in both the military and in politics, contributing to the academic community, and in the athletic scene. He was truly and amazing person. I am glad he at least finished second, we seemed to beat the Germans in every major sporting event at the time. The Olympics on German soil no less and the second boxing match between Joe Louis and Max Schmeling.
Even though Metcalfe was beat, he was still an amazing athlete. For a period of time, Metcalfe was considered the fasted man on the planet.
I thoroughly enjoy this story, I mostly enjoy the fact that Metcalf and Owens broke the mold and showed the word that the Germans were not the superior race of the world.
These two great athletes and citizens of the U.S. could really show the youth of today the true value of handwork. Metcalfe and Owens were also able to place ignorance in its place.
Metcalfe made good use of a track scholarship to Marquette earning his Bachelor’s degree in 1936 and had been inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1975.
Metcalf accomplished a lot during his time. It is great to be able to read up on someone who was able to do good for himself and his country. Goes to show 1st place isn’t always the best.
Metcalfe had accomplished many things throughout his life. He worked hard for what he wanted and used his resources wisely. Glad he was honored by being inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Metcalfe finished second in the Olympics, nonetheless he still accomplished many amazing things throughout his lifetime. Being a black man during this period in time and still receiving not only his bachelors degree but his masters degree is an accomplishment on its own. Metcalfe did not stop there he was also awarded the Legion of Merit Medal, elected in 4 different elections. Metcalf is a man to look up to .
Metcalfe has done so much in his life, yet no one really talks about him as much as Jesse Owens just because he came in second place in the Berlin Olympics. He really is someone you can look up to.
What’s that expression they use to call second place? “First loser, right”? I’m a sports guy and even with what all I know about different sports and the history of them, I had never heard of Metcalfe. It’s sad his story isn’t as well known as the man that beat him for gold at Berlin.
It sounds like this man lived an extraordinary life and wouldn’t let himself be anything but great.
I have read about Metcalfe before. If you know Owen’s, you know who Metcalfe is. I did not know that he went on to get his masters degree. Very impressive for an African American during that time.
Metcalfe is a prime example that you can achieve anything regardless of race. After being a track star, he went on to do great things. He went on to be a decorated Army officer, successful politician, husband and father. Those could be considered his greatest achievements of all.
What a great life for someone to have! A great lesson is learned here as well. This man was a winner all around even if he wasn’t a first place runner in a race. He deserved everything positive that came his way!!
Just goes to show us that when you put your mind and heart into something, there is nothing you can not do!
I love that not only was he an amazing athlete, but he was intelligent as well!
I am so happy he was able to receive and earn his Master’s degree in that era. Track is a wonderful sport! I cannot wait to watch track and field events this weekend!
Metcalfe finished second in the Olympics, nonetheless he still accomplished many amazing things throughout his lifetime. Being a black man during this period in time and still receiving not only his bachelors degree but his masters degree is an accomplishment on its own. Metcalfe did not stop there he was also awarded the Legion of Merit Medal, elected in 4 different elections. Metcalf is a man to look up to .
Metcalfe had accomplished many things throughout his life. He worked hard for what he wanted and used his resources wisely. Glad he was honored by being inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Metcalfe had many accomplishments throughout his life. He should be an example for others to follow. He never gave up and led an amazing life. I was impressed with his story.
Metcalfe had many accomplishments! Many should aspire to be more like him! He never gave up on himself and inspired the minds of many young persons.
I had never heard of Metcalfe until reading this article, Nonetheless it sounds like he had a very honorable life.
I am pretty sure we read this article in the section titled “Bust”. Again, Metcalfe is amazing for his accomplishments! No only and Olympian but also an educator and politician.
I believe this article was posted in a previous module of ours.
Didn’t we read this article earlier in the course? Something I did not comment on before is how impressive it is that became a poli sci professor at Xavier during that time period. What an accomplished life@
I recently read about Metcalfe, and thought it was in the previous weeks. He was an outstanding man, and athlete.
The name Metcalfe sounds familiar but I had no idea he was a Congressmen.
Amazing man
We all could learn a lot from Metcalfe. His perserverence and dedication through adversity shows that one can do ANYTHING that we set the mind to do,
I had not heard of Metcalfe before reading this. He seemed very dedicated, interesting article.
This was a very interesting article. I have never heard of Ralph Metcalfe, but he was definitely an accomplished runner.
I remember hearing about him in class… he seemed very dedicated with running and being an athlete.
Ralph Metcalfe was a famous guys that run pretty fast. I believe the fast speed he has was requiring him to a lot exercise and practice .
He is a legend, it reminds me of the athletes in China, I love the runway may no one can understand
These achievements are astounding. The fact that it started with sports maybe played a part in the respect he earned as a black man living in the 1930’s America.