Duncan Anderson McNaughton | The Canadian Encyclopedia

Article

Duncan Anderson McNaughton

Duncan Anderson McNaughton, track and field athlete (b at Cornwall, Ont 7 Dec 1910; d at Austin, Tx 15 Jan 1998). Raised at Kelowna and Vancouver Duncan McNaughton attended the University of Southern California, joining its track
McNaughton, Duncan
Gold medal high jumper Duncan McNaughton. In a dramatic jump-off to break a tie at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, he cleared the bar at 6 ft 6 in (2 m), beating Americans Bob Van Osdel and Cornelius Johnson, and the Philippines' Simeon Toribio. He retired a year later (courtesy Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, www.sportshall.ca).

McNaughton, Duncan Anderson

 Duncan Anderson McNaughton, track and field athlete (b at Cornwall, Ont 7 Dec 1910; d at Austin, Tx 15 Jan 1998). Raised at Kelowna and Vancouver Duncan McNaughton attended the University of Southern California, joining its track team as a high jumper. Duncan McNaughton's "diving" western-roll technique disqualified him at the 1930 British Empire Games and nearly excluded him from the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. Ultimately, he was allowed to compete and, in a dramatic jump-off to break a tie, he cleared the bar at 6 ft 6 in (2 m), beating Americans Bob Van Osdel and Cornelius Johnson and the Philippines' Simeon Toribio for the gold. A year later Duncan McNaughton retired; he distinguished himself in the RCAF and later as a petroleum geologist.

Challenge yourself - take the CC Quiz!

The Canadian Encyclopedia is a project of Historica Canada, a non-profit, nonpartisan organization devoted to teaching Canadians more about our shared country.  We also produce the Heritage Minutes and other programs. If you believe all Canadians should have access to free, impartial, fact-checked, regularly updated information about Canada’s history and culture in both official languages, please consider donating today. All donations above $3 will receive a tax receipt.

Book a Speaker