Springfield Art and Historical Society: Albert Gutterson Wins Olympic Gold in 1912

Article by Lisa Champagne - "University of Vermont - UVM's Albert Gutterson Won Olympic Gold Medal 100 Years Ago Today"


Albert Lovejoy Gutterson, native of Springfield, Vermont, winning the broad jump at the 1912 Olympic Games held in Stockholm, Sweden. Gutterson set a new Olympic record. Photo UVM athletics

"BURLINGTON, Vt. - Former University of Vermont track and field standout Albert Gutterson (Class of 1912) won a gold medal in the broad jump at the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm, Sweden 100 years ago today (July 12, 2012). Click here to see a photo album of the memorabilia from his Olympic achievements, including the gold medal on the UVM Athletics Facebook page.

Gutterson set a new Olympic record with a leap of 7.60 meters (24' 11 3/4"). Gutterson's Olympic record stood until 1928, when Edward Hamm jumped 25' 4 3/4". The current world record is held by Mike Powell at 8.95 meters.

Gutterson, who was inducted into the UVM Athletic Hall of Fame in 1969, was a native of Springfield, Vt. At the University of Vermont where he was a member of several campus honoraries, Gutterson spent four years becoming the greatest track athlete in the school's history. His most impressive achievement came in a dual meet against the University of Maine: posting victories in the broad jump, high jump, discus, low hurdles and two sprints, and one second place finish, for an incredible 33-point performance.

But the Olympics capped his great career. As he once put it, "That was a great meet I never will forget. The best athletes in the world were there, the field was wonderful, competition was keen, many records were broken, and I made many friends." When he returned home, he began a long a distinguished career with Springfield's machine tool industry, culminating in his election in 1950 as president of the Lovejoy Tool Co. in Springfield.

Albert Gutterson at the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm, Sweden. Photo Wikipedia

Gutterson was a University Trustee from 1954 to 1960, and has been honored by his alma mater with the "varsity letter in life award," and the Distinguished Alumni Service Award. The hockey arena (Gutterson Fieldhouse) is named to honor his achievements and his generosity and service to his alma mater. Gutterson passed away in Burlington on April 6, 1965.

Sports Illustrated selected Gutterson as one of the Top 50 Vermont athletes of the 20th Century. The magazine's editors composed a list of the "Top 50 Athletes" in each state in its December 27, 1999 issue to commemorate the millennium. Gutterson ranked fifth among the Top 50 Vermonters."