Paris, 1924. Games of the VIII Olympiad. Athletics. American athlete Harold OSBORN poses for the cameras. OSBORN was gold medallist in both the men's high jump and the decathlon events. Credit: IOC Olympic Museum Collections

Born: 13 April 1899

Deceased: 5 April 1975

Birthplace: Butler (United States)

Nationality: United States

Sport: Athletics

ATTENDANCE AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Paris 1924

Amsterdam 1928

AWARDS

Olympic medals:

Gold: 2

A Unique Double Champion

At the 1924 Paris Olympics, Harold Osborn, the world record holder in the high jump, cleared every height on his first attempt until he finally jumped 1.98 metres to earn the gold medal and set an Olympic record that would last for twelve years. Four days after his high jump triumph, Osborn began competing in the decathlon. On the second day of the decathlon, he overcame fellow American Emerson Norton in the final two events to win by 360 points. Osborn's total of 7,711 points beat the existing world record by 229 points. His high jump/decathlon double is unique in Olympic history.