72 Years Late, Sailor Receives His Due

LOS ANGELES— In a remarkable turn of events that underscores the enduring spirit of sportsmanship, Mike Schoettle, a member of the victorious 1952 Helsinki Olympic 5.5-meter sailing team, has finally been awarded the gold medal he rightfully earned. Just days before the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, a ceremony was held to rectify a longstanding injustice. Schoettle’s journey to this long-awaited recognition is a testament to perseverance and the power of advocacy. Despite being part of the winning crew skippered by Britton Chance and including the White twin brothers, Ed and Sumner, Schoettle was initially denied a medal due to a technicality. As an alternate, he participated in the sixth race, which the United States team won, but did not compete in the final race. Under the rules at the time, this disqualified him from receiving a medal, even though his contribution was integral to the team’s overall victory. The U.S. secured the gold medal in a dramatic finish. Norway, leading after six races, needed only a third-place finish in the final race to clinch the gold. However, the U.S. team’s victory in the final race pushed Norway down to fourth, securing the gold for the American squad. It was...