1941: A Star Cyclist Reaches the End of His Life’s Journey

March 28, 1941

Champion cyclist Marcus Hurley passed away in New York City. He was 57. Hurley was born in New Rochelle, New York, on December 22, 1883. By the start of the 20^th century, he had established himself as a formidable competitor in cycling races.

These pedaling skills were clearly on display during a series of races held in a stadium in Buffalo on August 8, 1901. “HURLEY EASILY THE STAR,” announced a headline in the next day’s edition of the Buffalo Courier. “The speedy New Yorker captured the half-mile [0.8-kilometer] and one-mile [1.6-kilometer] championships,” reported this newspaper. “Hurley far outclasses the other riders at the short distances. At the present time, he is still undefeated.”

Three years later, Hurley found himself in an international spotlight while taking part in the Summer Olympics in St. Louis as a member of the United States’ delegation. As a sprint cycling specialist, he won a total of four gold medals. In addition, he earned a bronze medal in the two-mile (3.2-kilometer) race. Well over a century later, Hurley continues to hold the record for the most Olympic medals in cycling that have been won by an American.   

Hurley’s notable achievements were not restricted to cycling. He also played basketball for Columbia University and was that team’s captain. In addition, he served in the military during World War I. In his later years, Hurley worked as a consulting engineer.

Photo Credit: Public Domain

For more information on Marcus Hurley, please check out https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Hurley