Mel Sheppard

Mel Sheppard, known as Peerless Mel, was an American middle-distance runner, born on 5 September 1883 and died on 4 January 1942, and a member of the Irish American Athletic Club. Born in the Almonesson section of Deptford Township, New Jersey, he was rejected by the New York Police because of a slightly enlarged heart, yet won three consecutive AAU titles in the 880 yards from 1906 to 1908. At the 1908 London Games he won the 1500 metres, took the 800 metres in a world record of 1:52.8 and ran the final leg of the medley relay, and with Henry Taylor of Great Britain he was the most successful athlete of those Games. He won four gold medals and one silver across the 1908 and 1912 Olympics. By late 1907 he held world indoor records for 600 yards, 880 yards, 1000 yards and the mile.