Henry B. Richardson

Lore & Background

Richardson first competed at the 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis at age 15. He was a member of the Boston Archers team, which finished third of four teams with 1268 points in the team event, earning him his first bronze medal. He also placed 9th in the double York round with 439 points and 10th in the double American round with 813 points. Four years later, at the 1908 Summer Olympics, Richardson won his second bronze medal in the men's double York round. His first round score of 343 placed him 5th, 60 points behind leader William Dod. In the second round, he shot the best round of the tournament with 417 points, though he gained little ground on Dod, who shot 412. Richardson trailed Reginald Brooks-King by only 1 point with three arrows remaining, ultimately finishing third with 760 points to Dod's 815 and Brooks-King's 768. He also entered the Continental style event, placing 15th with 171 points.

Reader's Guide

Richardson's Olympic career marks a unique early milestone in archery history. As the first archer to win medals at two different Olympic Games, he demonstrated sustained performance across the 1904 and 1908 editions. His youth at the 1904 Games—15 years and 124 days—made him the youngest medalist at those Games, a record that underscores the early inclusion of young competitors in Olympic archery. His performance in the 1908 double York round is particularly notable: after a modest first round, he produced the highest single-round score of the tournament, showing resilience and skill under pressure. The close finish, trailing by just one point with three arrows left, highlights the competitive nature of the event. Richardson later graduated from Harvard University and Harvard Medical School, reflecting a path beyond sport. His achievements remain a reference point for early Olympic archery and the sport's development in the United States.

Did You Know?

• He was the youngest medalist at the 1904 Summer Olympics, aged 15 years and 124 days.
• In the 1908 double York round, he shot the best single round of the tournament with 417 points.