Charlie Paddock

Charles William Paddock (born November 8, 1900 in Gainesville, Texas; died July 21, 1943 near Sitka, Alaska) was an American athlete and two-fold Olympic champion.

After serving in World War I, Paddock studied at the University of Southern California, where he became a member of the track and field team, and excelled in the sprint events. Charlie Paddock was sent out to represent his country at the first post-war Olympics in Antwerp.

In Belgium, he had his greatest successes, as winning the 100 m final, while placing second in the 200 m event. With the American 4 x 100 m relay team, Paddock won his third Olympic medal. Paddock became famous for his unusual finishing style, leaping towards the finish line at the end of the race.

At the 1924 Olympics, Paddock again qualified for both the 100 and 200 m finals, but he was less successful as four years earlier; he finished 5th in the 100 m and won another silver medal in the 200 m. Paddock was not a part of the relay team. Again four years later, Paddock participated in his fourth Olympics, but couldn't reach the 200 m final.

During his athletic activities, Paddock also held management positions in several newspapers. Also, he was on the personal staff of Major General W. P. Upshur[?] since the end of World War I. In 1943, during World War II, both Upshur and Paddock died in a plane crash.