This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Ralph Metcalfe, an American sprinter and member of the American 4 x 100-meter relay team that won a gold medal at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. At his peak, in 1934-35, he was called "the world's fastest human"; in 1932 and 1936 he won Olympic silver medals in the 100-metre dash, losing close races to his great rivals Eddie Tolan and Jesse Owens.