Allen Woodring

Who was Allen Woodring?

Allen Woodring was an American athlete, the 1920 Olympic champion in the 200 m.

Little is known of Woodring, who originally did not qualify for the 1920 Summer Olympics, placing 5th in the American trials. However, he was given a chance to compete in favour of the 4th-placed runner. After arriving in Antwerp, his track shoes fell apart, and Woodring was unable to obtain new ones. He was finally able to borrow shoes from another runner, for the duration of the competition.

Woodring made good use of these shoes in the 200 m final, beating favourite Charlie Paddock, who had already won the 100 m, with a strong finish.

He was born in Hellertown, Pennsylvania and died in Clearwater, Florida.