Origins & Early Life

Avery Brundage (; September 28, 1887 – May 8, 1975) was the fifth president of the International Olympic Committee, serving from 1952 to 1972, the only American and first non-European to attain that position. Brundage is remembered as a zealous advocate of amateurism and for his involvement with the 1936 and 1972 Summer Olympics, both held in Germany. Brundage was born in Detroit in 1887 to a working-class family. When he was five years old, his father moved his family to Chicago and subsequently abandoned his wife and children.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Raised mostly by relatives, Brundage attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to study engineering and became a track star. He competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics, where he participated in the pentathlon and decathlon, but did not win any medals; both events were won by teammate Jim Thorpe. He won national championships in track three times between 1914 and 1918 and founded his own construction business. He earned his wealth from this company and from investments, and never accepted pay for his involvement in sports. Following his retirement from athletics, Brundage became a sports administrator and rose rapidly through the ranks in United States...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alexander Archipenko — Contemporary (Born in 1887) (1887): Ukrainian-American avant-garde sculptor, pioneer of Cubist human figures.
• Alexander Borodin — Contemporary (Died in 1887) (1887): Russian Romantic composer, chemist, and physician known for 'Prince Igor' and symphonies.
• Alvin Hansen — Contemporary (Born in 1887) (1887): Influential American economist, known as "the American Keynes" for popularizing Keynesian theory.
• 50 Cent — Contemporary (Born in 1975) (1975): Iconic rapper, actor, and entrepreneur known for raw storytelling and business acumen.
• Alex Rodriguez — Contemporary (Born in 1975) (1975): Legendary former MLB star, A-Rod, transitioned into a powerful sports and business mogul.
• Allen Iverson — Contemporary (Born in 1975) (1975): Iconic NBA guard, nicknamed "the Answer", celebrated for scoring prowess and influence.
• Alexandre Cabanel — Shared historical date (09-28 · Born) (1823): Prominent French Academic painter, celebrated for historical and mythological subjects.
• Althea Gibson — Shared historical date (09-28 · Died) (2003): Pioneering American tennis and golf star who broke racial barriers in sports.
• 6ix9ine — Shared historical date (05-08 · Born) (1996): American rapper known for aggressive style and controversial public persona.
• Charles Horton Cooley — Shared historical date (05-08 · Died) (1929): Pioneering American sociologist known for the 'looking-glass self' concept.
• 1887 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1887
• September 28 (09-28) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on September 28
• 1975 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1975
• May 8 (05-08) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 8