Washington University hosted a ceremony June 16 recognizing the 100th anniversary of the 1904 Olympics at the University and the Athens 2004 Olympic Torch Relay. During the event, Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton presided over a rededication of Francis Field, the site of the 1904 Olympic track and field events. From Aug. 29 to Sept. 3, 1904, Francis Field and Francis Gymnasium, now registered historical landmarks, were the site of the Olympic Games — the 3rd Olympiad of the modern era and the first held in the Western Hemisphere.
Everywhere one looked, one saw Olympians, including three-time Olympian and two-time world cross country champion Craig Virgin (10,000 meters); 1988 bronze medalist and five-time national champion Wendy Williams (platform diving); 1996 gold medalist and eight-time world champion Jill Savery (synchronized swimming); and five-time gold medalist Bonnie Blair (speed skating). All were on hand to prepare for the torch relay through St. Louis on June 17 and to help Washington University rededicate Francis Field.
At the rededication, University Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton was joined by Charlie A. Dooley, St. Louis county executive; Jeff Rainford, chief of staff for St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay; John Schael, Washington University director of athletics; Robert Marbut, chair of the U.S. Olympic Committee’s National Governing Bodies’ Council; and Virgin and Williams.
Virgin and Savery also addressed more than 250 participants in the University’s summer sports clinics. The Olympians talked about the importance of having dreams and the persistence to make those dreams come true. Following the rededication ceremony, approximately 120 torchbearers, including Savery and Blair, participated in a quick training session and picked up their gear for today’s Olympic Global Torch Relay through St. Louis.
Washington University’s seven-time Division III national champion volleyball coach Teri Clemens beams as she picks up her torch in preparation for her leg of the relay, which will be around the track at Francis Field. Less than four months ago, Clemens was in critical condition in the hospital battling a persistent health problem that forced her to retire from coaching.
St. Louis philanthropist E. Desmond Lee (left) listens as members of the U.S. Olympic Committee explain some of the various do’s and don’ts of carrying the torch. Lee will bring the torch into Francis Field via the Big Bend Boulevard entrance.
Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton delivers opening remarks during the rededication ceremony of Francis Field. Because of inclement weather, the rededication was moved inside to the Field House. The rededication and the torch relay around campus mark the final event of the University’s Sesquicentennial yearlong celebration.
Three-time Olympian Craig Virgin gave advice about setting and achieving goals to some 250 participants in WUSTL’s summer sports clinics.
Wendy Williams, who won the bronze medal in platform diving at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, shares a laugh with more than 400 people at the Francis Field rededication ceremony.
Washington University Director of Athletics John Schael makes a point at the Francis Field rededication ceremony. Looking on, from left, are Jeff Rainford, chief of staff for St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay, and Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton.