The Story of Mack Robinson - 1936 Olympic Silver Medalist in the 200m

Jackie Robinson and Jesse Owens are two of the greatest athletes in the history of sport. Jackie broke the color barrier in baseball becoming the first Black athlete to play in the MLB. While in Track & Field, Owens won 4 Olympic Gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games and is credited as crushing Hitler's myth of Aryan supremacy.

But just behind both Jackie Robinson and Jessie Owens was Matthew “Mack” Robinson, Jackie’s older brother and the Olympic silver medalist in the 200m right behind Owens at the 1936 Olympics.

Throughout his life, Mack overcame various setbacks and struggles, including segregation in Pasadena, to being told he would never compete in sports due to a heart murmur. Despite that, he made huge strides both on and off the track.

In addition to winning the 1936 Olympic 200m Silver, Mack focused a significant amount of his time volunteering with youth organizations, including providing opportunities for kids in his hometown. He was also a vocal advocate for rights in the city of Pasadena.

Watch Full Mack Robinson Interview with Washington University Here: http://repository.wustl.edu/concern/videos/k0698c509

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