George Poage

About

Winner of two bronze medals at the 1904 Olympics in the 200 and 400 meter hurdles. He was the first African-American to win an Olympic medal.

Before Fame

Enrolling at the University of Wisconsin, he joined its track team his sophomore year, becoming the university's first track athlete.

Trivia

Competing at the Olympics despite a called boycott by the black community due to the segregated public facilities, he won bronze medals in both the 220-yard and 440-yard hurdles.

Family Life

He was born in Hannibal, Missouri, moving with his family to LaCrosse, Wisconsin, at a young age.

Associated With

Like Jackie Robinson after him, he helped break the color line in sports, and chipped away at the popular perception of white racial superiority.