Charles Jewtraw, from Lake Placid, became the first Olympic speed skating champion, by winning the 500 m in the first Olympic Games in Chamonix 1924. Because this was the first competition of the games it was also the first gold medal won by anyone at the Olympic Winter Games. He came to the games as the world speed skating record holder over 100 and 220 yards, but it was still considered a great surprise that he could beat the Finnish and Norwegian favourites.

He came from a family of limited means, with several children. His father was running the speed skating rink in their hometown Lake Placid in the winter, and in the summer they sold blocks of ice, used instead of refrigerators at that time. The income was hardly enough to feed the family. Charles worked hard delivering ice all summer, and spent all the time at the skating rink in the winter. It was not easy coming from a poor family and trying to become a world class speed skater. Fortunately, Charles was "adopted" by the wealthy business mann Jack Mabbit and he got an opportunity few others in his small hometown had. Mabbit provided good clothing, good food and education, which made it possible for Charles to prepare for the olympics, and eventually win his Olympic gold medal. The Olympic games in 1924 was the only international tournamenet in which Charles competed. After his Olympic title he retired from speed skating.

By Bjarte Hetland, last updated November 26, 2005