Remembering track athlete, George Coleman Poage
By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist
By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist
With the 2024 Paris Olympic Games underway, individuals from around the globe are tuning in to watch the world’s most talented athletes compete for a chance at taking home a medal. From breaking records to fighting for equal representation, the Olympic Games have a long and complex history. 1904 was a monumental year for the franchise. Not only was this the first Olympic Games hosted by the United States, but it was the year Wisconsin resident George Coleman Poage became the first African American to receive an Olympic medal.
Poage did not immediately receive the recognition that he deserved. In fact, it was not until around 30 years after Poage passed away that his achievements were properly recognized. MMAC sponsored Poage’s induction into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998. The city of Lacrosse has also dedicated a sculpture and local park in celebration of Poage’s achievements.
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Poage was born on November 6, 1880, in Hannibal Missouri. At an early age, his family moved to Lacrosse, Wisconsin. He spent his childhood there and attended Lacrosse High School. Poage shined as both a student and a track athlete. He graduated in 1899 as salutatorian of his class and the first Black graduate of the school, one of many “firsts” attributed to Poage. He went on to attend the University of Wisconsin, where he pursued a degree in history while competing on the university’s track team.
 George Poage at 1904 Olympics. Sourced from: Jessie Tarbox Beals. Missouri Historical Society. Poage had a knack for short sprints and hurdles. His remarkable speed in both events led him to the Big Ten conference meet, where he became the first African American to take home an individual champion title. The Milwaukee Athletic Club recognized Poage’s talent and extended a membership invitation, making him the first African American member. In 1904, the Olympic Games began at the St. Louis World’s Fair. The Milwaukee Athletic Club sponsored Poage as he competed on the world stage. His talent repeatedly highlighted throughout high school and college, translated into his first and only Olympic appearance. Poage took home bronze in the 220-yard and 440-yard hurdles.
It is important to note that Poage participated in the Olympics during a period of discrimination. Although many Black leaders boycotted the Olympics, Poage remained steadfast in his decision to compete. He ran in an integrated race while viewers watched in segregated facilities.
After the games, Poage’s running career ended. He took whatever job opportunities he could find, beginning as a schoolteacher at a St. Louis segregated high school in 1920. He later moved to Chicago where he worked in various restaurant jobs and then as a postal clerk. He died at the age of 82 on April 11, 1962.
 Milwaukee Athletic Club. Tug of War Olympic champions. [L-r, H. Seiling, C. Magnussen, P. Flanigan, B. Johnson, O.G. Olson]. [1904 Olympics]. [Louisiana Purchase Exposition]. LPE 917. Photograph, 1904. Missouri Historical Society Photographs and Prints Collections. WF 0743. NS 16179. Scan © 2004, Missouri Historical Society. While many are familiar with Olympic track and field events such as the 400-meter dash or hurdles, the history of one event continues to fly under the radar… tug-of-war. From 1900 to 1920, teams from around the world participated in tug-of-war before it was discontinued. The Milwaukee Athletic Club sponsored a tug-of-war team at the 1904 St. Louis games. A photo of the team hangs at The Milwaukee Athletic Club today. That year, six teams participated in the single-elimination tournament. This included four teams from the United States, one team from South Africa and one team from Greece. The Milwaukee Athletic Club team consisted of five Chicago athletes. This team competed against the New York Athletic Club and won, taking home an Olympic gold medal. The New York Athletic Club withdrew from the tournament following this loss, allowing two St. Louis teams to take home silver and bronze. |
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