Alma Richards, Brigham Young University’s first gold medalist

The 2012 Summer Olympics are in full swing in London. Ninety years ago Brigham Young University student Alma Richards participated in the Summer Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden. He won the gold medal in the high jump by clearing the bar at 6 ft. 4 inches. He received his gold medal from Swedish king Gustavus V.

Alma Richards in his Olympic uniform, 1912.

Victory parade for Alma Richards upon his return from the 1912 Summer Olympics.

Victory parade for Alma Richards upon his return from the 1912 Summer Olympics.

The University Archives holds a collection of Alma Richards’ papers in UA 310. The papers include original photographs and negatives as well as photocopies of correspondence, newspaper clippings, scrapbooks, and certificates documenting Richards’ athletic career.

These materials can be accessed through the L. Tom Perry Special Collections in the Harold B. Lee Library at Brigham Young University.