Culver Hastedt

Culver Lucias Hastedt (October 16, 1884 – November 2, 1966) was a U.S. sprinter and Olympic Gold Medalist in 1904. He was known as "The King of the Handicaps," winning gold medals in the 60-yard dash, the 100-yard dash and the running broad jump at the 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis, MO. Also, in the Olympic Open Meet, he won the 100-yard dash and won second place in the broad jump.

In the 1904 Olympic Games, "handicap" did not refer to any type of physical impairment. Instead, these were events in which some athletes, often amateurs, were given a slight advantage in position or location. These matches were additional track and field events that allowed lesser athletes the opportunity to compete head-to-head with superior professional Olympic competitors by giving them an advantage that leveled the playing field. In this era, a "handicap" winner is somewhat similar to an amateur winner of a professional event. In the 100-yard dash, Hastedt was given a 4-yard handicap, and in the 60-yard dash, he was given a 4-foot handicap. His victory in the 100-yard dash was the first won by a St. Louis, MO athlete. The 1904 Olympics were also significant in that they were the first Olympics to be held in the United States.

"One of the most successful athletes to participate in the Olympic events was St. Louis native Culver Hastedt.The speedy representative of the Missouri Athletic Club won both the 60- and the 100-yard dashes held during the week of the official Olympic games.Hastedt also won the 100-yard dash in the Olympic Open Handicap Meet, running for Christian Brothers College.His versatility showed by taking second in the running broad jump at the same event.At these same Olympic Games during the Western Association AAU handicap Meet, Hastedt won the (Gold Medal for the) running broad jump. For all his efforts, he was dubbed "King of the Handicaps'."

— Jim Greensfelder, Jim Lally, Bob Christianson and Max Storm, 1904 Olympic Games Official Medals and Badges