WALTER DOHM

Princeton Preparatory School – World Record Holder

Walter Charles Dohm was born in Princeton, in Mercer County NJ in 1869.  He attended Princeton Preparatory High School as well as Princeton University, where he competed in football and athletics.

Dohm was a champion athlete in several events.  He twice won the AAU title in the 440 yard run--an event in which he had a personal record of 49 1/5 seconds.  He claimed IC4A titles in the Long Jump and in the quarter mile as well.

The half mile was where Dohm was at his best.  He won the 880 Yards Run at the IC4A in 1890, and the AAU title at the same distance in 1891. 

Then in New York City on September 19, 1891 he broke the world record in the 880 yards by running a time of 1 min 54 ½ seconds.

Dohm represented the New York Athletic Club (NYAC) from 1890 until his retirement in 1893.

Dohm in 1893

Tragically, Dohm passed away from a bout with Tuberculosis in 1894.  He was just 25 years old.  His world record stood for 4 years.

MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS WON

1888 US CHAMPION 440 YDS (AAU) 1889 US CHAMPION 440 YDS (AAU) 1889 IC4A 440 YDS

1889 CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP 880 YARDS

1890 IC4A LONG JUMP

1890 IC4A 880 YDS

1891 US NATIONAL CHAMPION 880 YDS (AAU)

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