Detroiter and University of Michigan alum Eddie Tolan wins the 100 meters race at the 1932 Olympics
According to the Detroit Free Press:
The new crown that belongs to the “world’s fastest human” now rests just five feet 4 inches above the ground. It is squarely planted upon the black brow of little Eddie Tolan of Detroit, the midnight express, who came on like a sable flag to outrun the greatest field that ever met upon a track. Only a day earlier Tolan won the 100-meter dash to compliment his victory in the 200-meter dash.
“Tolan Flashes to New Record; Wins 200-Meter for Double Olympic Crown; American Stars Sweep Day’s Events”, Detroit Free Press, August 4, 1932.
In response to his victories, Detroit Mayor Frank Murphy appointed a reception committee to meet Tolan at the train station, and Michigan Governor Wilber M. Brucker declared September 6, 1932 as “Eddie Tolan Day” throughout the state.
Rashid Faisal, “Midnight Express : Olympic Medalist Eddie Tolan”, Michigan History, January-February 2021, pp. 46-51.