About Harry Goelitz
Lived 1894 – 1971 (aged 77). Harry Goelitz was an American athletics competitor.
Harry George Goelitz (January 9, 1894 – May 14, 1971) was an American athlete. He competed in the men's decathlon at the 1920 Summer Olympics.
Goelitz was trained at Oak Park and River Forest High School by Bob Zuppke, and at Mercersburg Academy by Jimmy Curran. In late 1913, he was thrown out of Mercersburg for leaving the grounds without permission. He transferred to Keewatin Academy in Wisconsin.
In 1921, Goelitz's leg was crushed between a cement mixer and a road roller. He was rushed to the hospital and recovered, but it is likely this accident ended his athletics career.
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Important facts
People in Harry Goelitz's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Harry Goelitz's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Harry Goelitz?
American athlete
When was Harry Goelitz born?
Harry Goelitz was born on 9 January 1894 in Oak Park.
When did Harry Goelitz die?
Harry Goelitz died on 14 May 1971.
What was Harry Goelitz's occupation?
Harry Goelitz was an athletics competitor.
What nationality was Harry Goelitz?
Harry Goelitz was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Harry Goelitz. https://biography.guide/harry-goelitz/
MLA: "Harry Goelitz." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/harry-goelitz/.
Chicago: "Harry Goelitz." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/harry-goelitz/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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