The 400m hurdles final at the 1920 Olympics proved to be a repeat of the U.S. Final Trials with Frank Loomis, John Norton, and Gus Desch finishing in the first three places, in that order, in both events. In 1921 Desch won the 220y hurdles at the NCAA, the AAU 440y hurdles in 53.4, and the Penn Relays 400 hurdles in 53.8. His AAU mark was the fastest time of his career and relegated John Norton into second place. A collegian at Notre Dame, Desch was also an outstanding football player as a running back. He later became a well-known football coach and authored several books about his coaching theories.
Personal Best: 440yH – 53.4 (1921).
United States