Club Swinging, Men

Indian club swinging has only been contested at the Olympics twice, both times in the United States, in 1904 and 1932. The defending champion was Ed Hennig, who won in 1904. While it may seem strange to mention him, Hennig had one of the longest careers of any gymnast, winning the US title in Indian clubs 13 times over 47 years – 1904, 1911, 1933, 1936-37, 1939-40, 1942, 1945-47, and 1950-51 (his last title won at age 71) – but he did not compete in 1932, for unknown reasons. American championships in this unusual event were held through 1953, but it has never been popular in other nations.

There were only four competitors in 1932 – three Americans and one Mexican gymnast. The US swept the medals, with George Roth winning gold ahead of Phil Erenberg and Bill Kuhlemeier. The athletes swung two Indian clubs of .70 kg (1.5 lbs), for a minimum of four minutes duration.