Juan Carlos Anderson

In the 1930s Juan Carlos Anderson was one of the best middle-distance runners in Argentina and won multiple national and international titles. After a brief spell working in England for an insurance company, Anderson returned to Argentina where he became the national champion in the 400 metres in 1931. Two years later he won gold in the 800 metres and the 4 x 400 metres relay at the South American Championships in Athletics in Montevideo, Uruguay. At the same championships he also won bronze in the 400 metres, setting an Argentine record in the process. The following year he improved the national record in the 400 metres on two occasions, with the latter mark standing for 15 years. At the 1934 national athletics championships Anderson won gold in the 400 metres, 4 x 400 metres relay, and the 800 metres.

At the 1935 South American Championships in Athletics in Santiago, Anderson retained his title in the 400 metres, setting a championship record in the process. He also won silver in the 400 metres and bronze in the 200 metres. At the national championships in 1935 he won another title in the 400 metres along with a bronze in the 800 metres. His consistent performances earned him a place as part of Argentina’s delegation at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. He reached the final of the 800 metres, finishing seventh, as well as making it to the semi-finals of the 400 metres. The Olympics would prove to be Anderson’s final athletics competition as he was forced to retire from sport after developing glaucoma. He later lived in the United States, where he met his wife before returning to Argentina.

Personal Bests: 400 – 48.4 (1934); 800 – 1:54.2 (1934).