Maxie Long - Hall of Fame
Maxie Long
- Induction:
- 2026
- Class:
- 1901
Maxwell “Maxie” Long was one of the earliest stars in Columbia track and field history, winning Olympic gold and setting a world record during a career that made him one of the University’s first internationally recognized athletes.
Long established himself as one of the nation’s premier quarter-milers while competing for Columbia in the late 1890s. He won three consecutive Amateur Athletic Union titles in the 440-yard dash from 1898-1900, while also capturing the AAU championship in the 220 yards in 1899 and the 100 yards in 1900. Long added an IC4A championship in the 440-yard dash in 1899.
His success made Long a favorite in the 400 meters at the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris. After winning his preliminary heat, Long advanced to the final, where he led from the start and won the gold medal in an Olympic-record time of 49.4 seconds.
Long competed in Columbia’s blue and white, which led to an unusual crowd reaction in Paris. French spectators reportedly mistook his colors for those of the Racing Club de France and cheered him through the final, believing they were supporting a local competitor. Long ultimately beat fellow American William Holland to claim the Olympic championship.
His Olympic victory was followed by another significant achievement later that year. On Sept. 29, 1900, Long ran 47.8 seconds for 440 yards in New York, a performance later recognized as the first official world record in the 400 meters. The mark stood until 1912. Just days later, he completed the distance in 47 seconds on a straight course at the Guttenberg Race Track in New Jersey, a performance that was not eligible for world-record recognition because of the course configuration.
Long continued competing internationally following his Olympic championship. He won the 440-yard title at the British AAA Championships in 1900 and returned to the competition the following year, finishing second in the event in 1901.
More than a century after his career, Long remains an important part of Columbia’s Olympic tradition. His accomplishments came during the early years of organized collegiate track and field and helped establish Columbia’s presence at both the national and international levels.
Long’s achievements received further recognition in 2021, when he was inducted into the National Track & Field Hall of Fame as a Veteran Athlete. The honor came more than 120 years after his Olympic victory and recognized a career that included an Olympic championship, multiple national titles and a world-record performance.
Long’s Olympic gold medal and world record remain two of the defining accomplishments from the early years of Columbia track and field and secure his place among the most accomplished athletes in program and school history.
Long established himself as one of the nation’s premier quarter-milers while competing for Columbia in the late 1890s. He won three consecutive Amateur Athletic Union titles in the 440-yard dash from 1898-1900, while also capturing the AAU championship in the 220 yards in 1899 and the 100 yards in 1900. Long added an IC4A championship in the 440-yard dash in 1899.
His success made Long a favorite in the 400 meters at the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris. After winning his preliminary heat, Long advanced to the final, where he led from the start and won the gold medal in an Olympic-record time of 49.4 seconds.
Long competed in Columbia’s blue and white, which led to an unusual crowd reaction in Paris. French spectators reportedly mistook his colors for those of the Racing Club de France and cheered him through the final, believing they were supporting a local competitor. Long ultimately beat fellow American William Holland to claim the Olympic championship.
His Olympic victory was followed by another significant achievement later that year. On Sept. 29, 1900, Long ran 47.8 seconds for 440 yards in New York, a performance later recognized as the first official world record in the 400 meters. The mark stood until 1912. Just days later, he completed the distance in 47 seconds on a straight course at the Guttenberg Race Track in New Jersey, a performance that was not eligible for world-record recognition because of the course configuration.
Long continued competing internationally following his Olympic championship. He won the 440-yard title at the British AAA Championships in 1900 and returned to the competition the following year, finishing second in the event in 1901.
More than a century after his career, Long remains an important part of Columbia’s Olympic tradition. His accomplishments came during the early years of organized collegiate track and field and helped establish Columbia’s presence at both the national and international levels.
Long’s achievements received further recognition in 2021, when he was inducted into the National Track & Field Hall of Fame as a Veteran Athlete. The honor came more than 120 years after his Olympic victory and recognized a career that included an Olympic championship, multiple national titles and a world-record performance.
Long’s Olympic gold medal and world record remain two of the defining accomplishments from the early years of Columbia track and field and secure his place among the most accomplished athletes in program and school history.
Friday, October 30
Friday, October 30
Friday, October 30
Wednesday, October 28
