Alan Helffrich

Alan Boone Helffrich (August 7, 1900 – February 3, 1994) was an American athlete, winner of gold medal in 4x400 m relay at the 1924 Summer Olympics.

Born in Yonkers, New York, Alan Helffrich was one of America’s greatest middle distance runners in the 1920s.

Helffrich won the AAU titles in 880 yd in 1921, 1922 and 1925. As a Pennsylvania State University student, he won the NCAA championships in 880 yd in 1922 and 1923 and IC4A championships in 880 yd in 1923 and in 440 yd in 1924.

At the Paris Olympics, Helffrich ran the second leg in the American 4x400 m relay team, which won the gold medal with a new world record of 3.16.0.

Helffrich was also the only American runner to defeat famous Paavo Nurmi, when he toured in United States in 1925, scoring a victory in the 880 yd run.

After his running career, Helffrich officiated at athletics meets in New York City from 1930 to 1955 and served, until his death, as president of the New York Chapter of the United States Olympians.