| Olympic medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Men'srowing | ||
Representingthe United States | ||
 | 1936 Berlin | Men's eight |
Charles Ward Day (October 19, 1914 – May 26, 1962) was an Americanrower who won Olympic gold at the1936 Summer Olympics.
The son of a dentist, Day was born inColville, Washington into anIrish American family.
Day rowed in theUniversity of Washington senior varsity eights which won US nationalIntercollegiate Rowing Association titles in 1936 and 1937.[1] In 1936, he won the Olympic gold medal rowing in the two seat of the American boat in the eights competition.[2] His role in theUniversity of Washington eight and their Olympic victory is explored in the 2013 non-fiction book by author Daniel James Brown,The Boys in the Boat.[1]
A medical graduate, Day served as Naval doctor in the South Pacific theatre ofWWII. Post-war he practised as a gynaecologist. He died of lung cancer due to years of heavy smoking at age 47.[1]
