Charles Gorman | The Canadian Encyclopedia

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Charles Gorman

Charles Gorman, speed skater (b at Saint John 6 July 1897; d at St Martins, NB 11 Feb 1940). Despite suffering a shrapnel wound in one leg during WWI, Charlie Gorman's international success earned him the title of "the man with the million dollar legs.

Gorman, Charles

Charles Gorman, speed skater (b at Saint John 6 July 1897; d at St Martins, NB 11 Feb 1940). Despite suffering a shrapnel wound in one leg during WWI, Charlie Gorman's international success earned him the title of "the man with the million dollar legs." Developing a long, sweeping stride, he won the 1924 US amateur title and the world championship 2 weeks later. He lost both in 1925 but defeated Clas Thunberg, the 1924 Olympic champion, to reclaim his world title the next year. On his retirement in 1928 he held 7 world records.