After emigrating from Ireland, Pat Flynn was considered no more than an average distance runner until his coach at the Paulist AC persuaded him to try the steeplechase. Shortly thereafter, he finished second to Mike Devaney in the 1919 AAU steeplechase. In his first attempt over the Olympic distance of 3,000 m, Flynn won the 1920 AAU title with a new U.S. record of 9:58.2. At the Antwerp Olympics, Flynn won his heat comfortably but fell at the water jump in the final and eventually finished some 100 meters behind the winner, Percy Hodge (GBR). Considering Hodge’s winning time was 10:00.4, there is little doubt that Flynn would have been in contention for the gold medal had he not fallen.
Personal Best: 3000S – 9:58.2 (1920).
United States