Alma Richards

About

American high jumper who won an Olympic gold medal in 1912, becoming the first Utah resident to take first place at any Olympic event.

Before Fame

After returning to school at the suggestion of a traveling professor he met one night, he was spotted playing basketball at Brigham Young University.

Trivia

His newfound high-jumping ability inspired him to also enter the 1916 Olympics, but his dreams of multiple medals never materialized; the games were cancelled by WWI.

Family Life

He was born in Parowan, Utah, to Mormon pioneer parents.

Associated With

Cael Sanderson was another Olympic medal winner - he specialized in freestyle wrestling.