Mack Robinson was never afraid to represent his community. At the 1936 Olympics, he won a silver medal in the 200 meters event using the track spikes he wore from his tenure at his local community college. Robinson’s loyalty to his hometown only grew from there.
Mack had the opportunity to complete his degree at the University of Oregon, but he chose to help support his family instead. The star athlete worked as a street sweeper, while wearing his Olympic uniform.
Mack faced discrimination at home in Pasadena, California. And while his brother Jackie stayed away because of racial tensions, Mack was determined to address those problems directly.
Known as a “pain in the neck” to many Pasadena city officials, Robinson advocated for recreation, the youth, and stopping crime. Uplifting the community was a race he never stopped running.
You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to make an impact in your community. The race towards improving your community can be done at your own pace and in your own way.