John Woodruff Net Worth, Income, Salary, Earnings, Biography

‘John Youie Woodruff’ (July 5, 1915 – October 30, 2007) was an American track and field athlete who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics, winning the 800 metres. “Long” John Woodruff was born in Connellsville, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States, and was a freshman at the University of Pittsburgh in 1936 when he finished second at the National AAU meet and first at the Olympic Trials (in the heat 1:49,9; WR 1:49,8), earning a spot on the United States Olympic team. Woodruff was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity in his younger years. The Olympic 800 metre run was his first competition, and he did not disappoint, despite his lack of previous experience. Woodruff was forced to quit racing after being hemmed in by other racers during one of the most thrilling races in Olympic history. After that, he rallied from behind to win in 1:52.9 seconds. The following is how the New York Times characterised the race: “Phil Edwards, the Canadian doctor, set the pace, and it was a very slow race,” he recalls the agony of his Olympic race. On the first lap, I was on the inside, and I felt like I was being held hostage. I was well aware that if I attempted to break free from a trap and fouled someone, I would be disqualified from the race under the regulations. “At that moment, I didn’t believe I had a chance of winning, but I knew I had to do something.” The victim, 21-year-old Woodruff, was an inexperienced and awkward runner, standing at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) and standing 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) tall. But he was a quick thinker, and he came to a conclusion in a flash. “I didn’t freak out,” he explained. “I just reasoned that if I had only one chance to win, this was it,” she said. People have told me that I have slowed down or nearly stopped moving. I didn’t even come close to stopping. “I came to a complete halt, and everyone rushed around me.” With a stride of nearly 10 feet (3.0 m), Woodruff raced around everyone else and out of the stadium. He grabbed the lead, lost it on the backstretch, but recovered it on the last turn and went on to win the gold medal in the process. AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) champion in the 800 metres in 1937, Woodruff also won the IC4A championships in the 400 metres and the 800 metres from 1937 to 1939. Woodruff’s career was cut short by World War II, although he had a distinguished track and field career before the war. In addition, while racing for the United States national team, Woodruff shared a world record in the 4 × 880-yard relay (800 m). Woodruff graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1939 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology under his belt. When Woodruff was a student at the University of Pittsburgh, he got involved with the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and went on to receive a Master’s Degree in the same area from New York University in 1941. 

He enlisted in the military as a Second Lieutenant in 1941 and was released as a Captain the following year. He returned to military duty during the Korean War, and he retired from the military in 1957 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served as the Battalion Commander of the 369th Artillery, which subsequently became the 569 Transportation Battalion of the New York Army National Guard, during the Vietnam War. Woodruff subsequently settled in New Rochelle, Westchester County, New York, and Hightstown, New Jersey, where he spent his latter years. He taught young athletes and refereed at track meetings in his hometown and at Madison Garden. He previously worked as a teacher in New York City and as a special investigator for the New York Department of Welfare. He was also the director of a leisure facility for the New York City police department.

John Woodruff FAQ