Morgan Taylor

Who was Morgan Taylor?

Frederick Morgan Taylor was an American hurdler, winner of three Olympic medals.

Morgan Taylor, from Sioux City, Iowa, competed in both track and field and football at Grinnell College. At the American trials for the 1924 Summer Olympics, he broke the world record in the 400 m hurdles on two occasions, making him a favourite for the Olympic gold. In Paris, he broke his World Record again, with a margin of 1.4 seconds to win the gold. However, he had knocked over a hurdle and - because of rules in effect in 1924 - he could not become the World Record holder. Because the second-place finisher was disqualified, the third finisher became owner of the new World Record.

Taylor again qualified for the 1928 and 1932 Olympics, winning a bronze medal on both occasions, with the titles won by David Burgley and Bob Tisdall. At his third Olympics, he was honoured for his achievements by carrying the American flag during the opening ceremony of the Games.