Max Hess

Max Hess (December 29, 1877 – June 22, 1969) was an American gymnast and track and field athlete who competed in the 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis. He was born in Coburg, Germany, and came to America at an early age, settling in Philadelphia.

In 1904 he won the gold medal in gymnastics in the team event. He was also 10th in athletics' triathlon event, 31st in gymnastics' all-around competition and 50th in gymnastics' triathlon event.

He was affiliated with Philadelphia's well-known Turngemeinde Athletic Club, a successful organization that sent seven other athletes to the 1904 Olympics.

In July 1908, he competed again and made a good showing in both all round gymnastics competition and field sports in St. Louis at the International Gymnastics Tournament at Frankfort-on-the-Main.

In Philadelphia, he worked at Hess and Young, the family company store, specializing in printing and bookbinding services, where in the 1940's he was in business with his relatives Carl and George. and continues to specialize in platemaking services for printing and bookbinding.

He died in Philadelphia on June 22, 1969, and was predeceased by his wife Clara Hierholzer.