Rejoice Oh Young Man in Thy Youth

Robert McKenzie’s medal design reflects the artist’s experience as a gymnast and physical trainer as well as his enthusiasm for the wholesome life he portrayed in many of his sculptures. On the obverse, a classical nude appears as a shot-putter, while on the reverse a line of youths in a footrace appear as natural in their element as the birds in the sky and the greyhound that keeps pace with the men. In the 1930s, images of healthy, virile men compensated for the vulnerability sensed by many Americans facing the Depression and years of drought. Research is inconclusive, but McKenzie’s medal may also be related to the 1936 Olympics.