The Very First Utah Olympic Gold Medalist

Where did Utah’s first Olympic gold medalist come from? You will have to look south of Salt Lake City. No, further south, keep going. There it is Parowan, Utah.

Born in 1890 to pioneer parents in Parowan, Alma Richards was the ninth of ten children. Towering at 6-foot-2 and over 200 pounds, he discovered his athletic prowess at Murdock Academy in Beaver, where a teacher encouraged him to try sports. Richards quickly became a star in multiple track and field disciplines, attributing his exceptional skills to farm life and chasing jackrabbits.

Richards continued his athletic journey at was then Brigham Young Prep School, focusing on the high jump under coach Eugene L. Roberts. His unconventional jumping style, required for landing on feet due to the lack of modern pads, didn’t stop him from excelling.

Richards’ talent caught the attention of the U.S. Olympic commissioner, earning him a spot on the 1912 Olympic team. Despite being teased by teammates for being a "country hick," Richards stunned everyone by winning gold in the running high jump, setting a new Olympic record.

Richards went on to win over 245 medals and trophies, excel academically, and serve in the army. He attended Cornell University, Stanford for graduate school, and the University of Southern California for law school. Despite earning his law degree, Richards chose a career in teaching.

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After his death in 1963, Richards was honored in the BYU Track, Utah Sports, and U.S. Track and Field Halls of Fame. Alma Richards' leap of faith paved the way for generations of athletes, proving that greatness can come from the most humble beginnings in Utah.