Frank Cuhel

After winning the 400m hurdles at the Midwestern Olympic Trials in 53.4, Frank Cuhel finished second to Morgan Taylor at the Final Trials when Taylor set a new world record of 52.0. Cuhel himself ran 52.1 behind Taylor and was also inside the previous world record. Neither of the Americans could repeat this form in Amsterdam and the Olympic title went to Lord Burghley (GBR) in 53.4. Cuhel, a University of Iowa grad, became a newscaster for the Mutual Broadcasting System. During World War II he was being transferred to the North African war zone when his plane, the “Yankee Clipper,” crashed on 22 February 1943. His body was not found until three weeks later.

Personal Best: 400H – 52.1e (1928).