Chased By A Russian.

Via Onward State

"There’s a large focus throughout the museum on Penn State Olympians, especially those in track and field.

Unbeknown to many, Penn State had an incredible track program in the decade after World War Two, according to Hickman, himself a distance runner.

One of these Penn State track stars was Barney Ewell, who, said Hickman, “would be more famous than Jessie Owens had World War Two not happened.”

Ewell was a star in college but was drafted to serve in the war during the 1944 Olympics games, his peak years. Miraculously, at the age of 30, Ewell qualified for the 1948 Olympic team in London. In the 100 meter final he finished second, earning a silver medal in the first photo finish in Olympic history.

Hickman also shared the story of Horace Ashenfelter, the only Penn State individual Olympic gold medalist (3000m Steeplechase). Ashenfelter’s gold medal, along with his running shoes and racing bib, are displayed prominently in the museum.

Ashenelter worked for the FBI, and in the 1952 games in Helsinki, he raced members of the USSR. Joked Hickman, “It was the first time an American spy was chased by a Russian.”"

I honestly didn't know Horace Ashenfelter was the only individual Olympic gold medalist in Penn State history. It should be noted that Barney Ewell won gold in the 4x100 at those London Olympics. Interesting stuff