III Olympic Games (1904)

Award Medal for 1st Place Gilded Silver Diameter: 39 mm Thickness: 3 mm Weight: 17 g

Award Medal for 2nd Place Silver Diameter: 39 mm Thickness: 3 mm Mass: 17 g

Award Medal for 3rd Place Bronze Diameter: 38 mm Thickness: 3 mm Weight: 17 g

Design: Dieges & Clust Jewelery Company (USA)

Obverse: A figure victoriously raised with a welcoming arm and wearing an olive wreath. In the background, antique athletes stand against the backdrop of an ancient Greek temple. The English word OLYMPIAD is curved across the top, and in the lower right corner, there is an imitation of a date carved into stone: 1904.

Reverse: On the left, the goddess Nike stands on a terrestrial globe, holding a palm branch as a symbol of peace and a victor’s wreath. To her left is a bust of Zeus by Phidias; to her right is a laurel wreath into which the sport’s nameplate was mounted. The text at the top reads: UNIVERSAL EXPOSITION; at the bottom is the name of the city and country where the Games were held: St. Louis U.S.A.

An Irishman who arrived in the United States at the age of 16 is among the most famous athletes of the 20th century in America. He excelled in various disciplines—shot put, discus throw, stone throwing (which was part of the unofficial 1906 Athens Games program), and standing long and high jump. The physically powerful athlete became famous not only for his athletic prowess but also for his strong convictions. It is no accident that his tombstone in New York bears the inscription: «Devoted to the tenets, ideals, and aspirations of his country and people. Athlete. Patriot.»

The discus throw was considered the «horse» of an Irishman who set over 15 world records in this track and field discipline throughout his athletic career. Because official statistics were not kept at the time, this figure, according to sports historians, is approximate.

The main competition for the disc throw in St. Louis ended in a tie: Sheridan and his compatriot Ralph Rose both achieved a score of 39.28 meters. After three attempts, the Irishman was in third place, but he managed to level the score on his fifth appearance in the sector.

After conferring, the organizers decided to hold an extra round of competition to determine the winner. There has never been another such incident in the history of the Olympic Games. In a series of three throws, Sheridan proved stronger than his opponent: 38.97 meters versus 36.74 meters.

Martin Sheridan (March 28, 1881– March 27, 1918). American track and field athlete. Three-time Olympic champion (1904, 1908–1912) and bronze medalist (1908) of the Olympic Games. Inductee of the American Track and Field Hall of Fame (since 1988).

Sheridan is credited with a famous quote that entered the history of the Games. When the American delegation, passing the Royal Box during the opening ceremony of the London Olympics, refused to lower their flag as a sign of respect, he supposedly told journalists: «This flag will not bow before any earthly sovereign.» It was later discovered that one of the journalists was the first to report Sheridan’s reaction, almost fifty years later. The myth lives on.

Sheridan might not have made it to London. He almost missed boarding the ocean liner «Philadelphia,» which was carrying the track and field team to London. As 77 athletes boarded and the captain prepared to give the order to depart, Sheridan’s absence was noticed. A few minutes later, he pushed his way through the crowd of well-wishers to the gangway and explained that a sudden traffic jam had held him up.

Since 1906, Sheridan served in the New York Police Department and was held in high regard by his colleagues. For instance, he was entrusted with protecting the state governor during various events. After the athlete died of pneumonia, the police department established a medal in his name, which was awarded to officers who demonstrated exceptional bravery during their service.

Ramón Font (August 31, 1883–September 10, 1959). Cuban fencer. Four-time Olympic Champion (1900, 1904–1908), Silver medalist (1900) at the Olympic Games.

At the age of 20, the fencer shone brilliantly in St. Louis, winning individual competitions in épée and foil. Fonst was one of the three foreign participants at the American Games, and undoubtedly the most experienced and titled of all competitors—he already held a gold medal awarded to him following the sabre competition in Paris four years prior. The fencer was eager to immortalize his name by winning his second consecutive Olympic gold medal in the individual events. And he succeeded.

In the sabre masters tournament, Font was unmatched, achieving seven consecutive victories, and later secured the gold medal in the foil competition. He won three decisive matches, including the team rapier competition, in just two days. The New York Times dedicated a brief note on page eight to the Cuban’s success, noting that the young champion was proving too formidable for the Americans.