Who Bagged the US First Gold Medal?

The Olympics is considered as one of the leading and most exciting international sports in the world which provides chances to participants from all over the world. The very first international Olympic game is officially known as “The Summer Olympic Games” or “Games of the Olympiad” was held in the year 1896 in Athens, Greece. The 1896 summer took place from 6th April to 15th April 1896. In each Olympic event, gold medals are awarded for first place, silver medals for second place, and bronze medals are awarded for third place and this tradition began in the year 1904. However, before that, the winner receives a silver medal. Did you know who won the very first Olympics medals for the USA? Get to know about it through our American Olympic medals blog.

The USA at the Olympics

Around fourteen competitors from the United States competed in three sports at the 1896 Summer Olympics held in Athens, Greece. When it comes to gold medals, athletes from America bag most of the medals by beating the host country Greece. The Americans had 27 entries in 16 events and among them, 20 of them resulted in top-three finishes. 

Thomas Burke: Who Bagged the First Olympic Medal, US?

Thomas Burke was the first person to bag the Olympics medals, USA. Burke won the US first gold medal in the athletic sport. Burke was born in Massachusetts in 1875. At first, he competed for the Suffolk athletic club in South Boston. He was also a student at Boston university school of law. 

He was recognized as a reputed runner in 400 meters and 400 yards. Burke also won the AAU title in 1895 but he had no reputation when he first entered the inaugural modern Olympic Games in Athens, 1986. Burke surprisingly won the 100 meters race as many of the top sprinters were absent. His timing in finals was 12.0 seconds. 

In the same Olympics Burke also won 400 meters with 58.4 seconds in the preliminary heat and 54.2 in the finale with first place.