5,000 metres, Men

This was the most controversial track & field event of the 1932 Olympics. The Finns were still favored, led by Lauri Lehtinen, who had broken Paavo Nurmi’s world record in June at the Finnish Olympic Trials, with Lauri “Lasse” Virtanen also highly considered. In the final Lehtinen and Virtanen opened up quickly and pushed the pace from the beginning. By 4,000 metres they led with only America’s Ralph Hill in contact, but Virtanen dropped off the pace shortly thereafter. Hill and Lehtinen reached the bell lap together. On the final lap, Lehtinen led slightly until the home stretch. At that point, Hill moved to the second lane to try to pass Lehtinen but Lehtinen also moved out, blocking Hill. Hill then tried to move inside, but Lehtinen cut back and blocked that move as well. They crossed the line with Lehtinen leading by 30 cm. The pro-American crowd went crazy over the Finns move in the final straight, and Coliseum announcer Bill Henry finally had to quiet them with, “Ladies and gentlemen, please remember, these people are our guests.” Films of the race seemed to show that Lehtinen had interfered with Hill but no protest was lodged. Hill later graciously commented that although he had been blocked, he felt Lehtinen had enough reserve to win the race in any case. On the victory podium, Lehtinen tried to make amends by pulling Hill up to the top step, although he refused. Lehtinen did pin a Finnish flag on his sweater during the victory ceremony.