Roger Morris and the 1936 Olympics
0The year was 1936.
The world had yet to awaken to the increasingly oppressive and aggressive regime Hitler was unveiling in Germany. The Olympics were held in Berlin that year, under the watchful eyes of arguably one of the most evil human beings to ever live.
Of all the rowing teams in the country, the University of Washington’s Husky crew team was selected to compete in the eight-man teams race.
Photo Courtesy UW Athletic Communications
The team began their event badly – firmly in last place by the halfway mark. But they pushed ahead, first of the German team, then in front of the Italians within the last 10 strokes. Hitler looked on displeased.
Roger Morris
Among the eight UW rowers was Roger Morris, a Fremont native (it must be the Center of the Universe after all). He earned a B.S. in engineering.
Morris passed away in 2009 at his home in Maple Valley. He left behind 15 grandchildren, as well as 2 daughters and a son. He was 94.
One teammate described him as “a very humble guy, such a good guy. I don’t think the gold medal ever became the focus of his life.”
Read more details of the story of the 1936 Olympics in this Seattle Times article on Roger Morris.
