This remarkable photograph has a misleading label on the back. It says “Claude Bracey, 1928 Amsterdam Olympics” and that’s almost right.
That is indeed Claude Bracey breaking the tape at the far left. Bracey was Rice’s first real track star and he did run in Amsterdam, the first Rice athlete to compete in the Olympics. But as someone who lived many years in Chicago I knew at a glance that the race we see above was run in Soldier Field. It turns out that it was the 1928 NCAA track championships and Bracey won both the 100 yard dash (9.6 seconds) and the 220 (20.9). Soldier Field itself was only a couple of years old.
Later this week I’ll explain where this image came from and show some more pictures from what is turning out to be a really wonderful new collection.
Bonus: I’m declaring Summer Hours. Don’t worry unless I’m gone for at least three days with no explanation.
