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Forrest Smithson: A Tall Tale
The Olympic Games have, of course, produced numerous fascinating stories—some inspiring, some tragic, and some, such as the tale of Forrest Smithson, a bit befuddling. Smithson’s enduring and endearing legend maintains that the U.S. hurdler protested the scheduling of competition on Sundays by leaping over the barriers with a Bible in hand. The fact that Smithson was the victor of the 110-metre hurdle competition in 1908 is not in doubt. However, the claim that he carried the Good Book down the track is not supported by any evidence. A snapshot of the 27-year-old divinity student jumping a hurdle while clutching ...(100 of 269 words)