Marshall Taylor
#199,393 Most Popular
About
Cyclist who was the first African American to win a world championship in his sport and only the second black man to ever win a world championship in any sport.
Before Fame
He competed in his first amateur cycling event at 13, and won his first at age 15 - facing 'hoots' because of his race.
Trivia
Facing strong discrimination at home, he chose to begin his racing career for Austria and New Zealand, beating the champions of Europe in many of his 40 wins.
Family Life
He was born on a farm in rural Indiana, his father Gilbert Taylor was a Civil War veteran.
Associated With
He could be called the Jackie Robinson of cycling, breaking the color barrier of a previously all-white sport.
