The name and Olympic fame (Munich, 1972) of Jewish American swimmer Mark Spitz is well known, but who was the first American Jewish Olympic gold medal winner?
He was jumper Myer Prinstein according to “Jews in the Olympics” exhibition running through September in the Jewish Community Building, 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Prinstein won a gold medal in the triple jump and a silver in the running broad jump in Paris in 1900. He also took top step honors in 1904 in St. Louis, winning both events and again in 1906 in Athens, with his golden running broad marks.
The international exhibition documenting the achievements of Jews in sports is a project of the Southern California Jewish Historical Society. A commemorative poster and medal are available. Call 213-852-1234.
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