“Harold Osborn was my great-grandfather and my father’s grandfather and was a legend in our family ever since I was born,” Jonah Selin said. “He won two gold medals in the decathlon and high jump at the 1924 Paris Olympics.”
Celine and her father, Scott Hannalyager, said they feel great pride in what someone in their family accomplished so many years ago.
“He was very competitive,” Hunnelljager said, “and he competed from 1922 to 1936, and then he jumped right into osteopathy and became an osteopathic doctor.”
Hunnelljager, whose grandfather competed in two Olympics and later earned a doctorate in osteopathic medicine, often calls him “The Doctor,” said he still has fond memories of his grandfather from decades ago.
“I spent 17 years on this earth with him and he was a very humble guy, not a big braggart, not a very outgoing guy,” Hannalyger said. “Today, if you want to be a decathlete you get in Sports Illustrated or whatever, but he never wanted that kind of fame, even in this day and age.”
Osborne died in 1975 at the age of 75, but his grandson remembers their time together like it was yesterday.
“Really [am] “Even though he’s no longer with us, and hasn’t been with us for nearly 50 years, we still feel his presence very strongly,” he said.
And now, when they found out that the 2024 Olympics would be held in Paris – exactly 100 years after Osborne competed and won two gold medals – the family felt they had to go, to be a part of history.
“I also think it’s important for the children to know that they are continuing this great tradition. My daughter got to take our gold medal to her kindergarten recital when we had it, which was a really cool experience,” Celine said.
His medals, Olympic jersey and even his cleats have been donated to his alma mater, the University of Illinois, and his family has given permission to the university to display them in a special exhibit, which is due to open soon.
Harold Osborne is an Olympian who will never be forgotten by his family, and by the world.
