National Scholastic sprinter and Word Record holder
Robert Rodenkirchen built a distinguished career in track and field marked by competitive excellence, leadership, and long-term service to the sport. During his high school years (1933-36), he was often undefeated in the sprint events – 60yd, 100 yd, 220 yd. He helped to lead the William L Dickinson High School to the 1935 championship at the 23rd Dickinson High School Games at the 113th infantry Armory setting a freshman Record – 220 yard dash in 24.4 seconds (Indoor). He served as Captain of the Dickinson High School Track Team his junior and senior years during which time he set many Dickinson High School, county and state records. By the end of his senior year, he emerged as a world-class athlete.
As a high school senior, he broke the world record in the 200-meter dash with a time of 21.0 seconds at the 1936 U.S. Eastern Olympic tryouts, running on a turn. Despite this performance, he was ruled ineligible for the 1936 Berlin Olympics because he had, as a young 10 year old child, immigrated through Ellis Island and was in the process of obtaining US citizenship. Jesse Owens would later beat Bob’s World Record at the 1936 Olympics in 20.7 seconds. He continued training through 1939 with hopes of earning a place on the 1940 Olympic team. However, the outbreak of World War II ended those ambitions, as both the 1940 (Tokyo) and 1944 (London) Olympic Games were ultimately canceled.
Bob subsequently competed for both the North Texas State University and the New York Athletic Club (NYAC) setting an additional 4 AAU and 5 World Records. Following his competitive career, Rodenkirchen remained closely connected to athletics through his longstanding association with the New York Athletic Club (NYAC), one of the most storied institutions in American track and field history. At the NYAC, he played an important role in supporting athletes, promoting elite competition, and preserving the club’s legacy as a cornerstone of U.S. amateur athletics. His work extended beyond administration, reflecting a broader commitment to mentorship, athlete development, and the values of sportsmanship and excellence that the NYAC represents.
His dedication to the NYAC lasted over 50 years, serving on the Board of Governors – as Athletic Chairman, Captain, and Club Historian – where he initiated the NYAC Hall of Fame project in which he was inducted in 1986.
Through both his athletic accomplishments and his subsequent service, Robert Rodenkirchen has contributed meaningfully to the continuity of track and field, bridging generations of athletes and reinforcing the enduring importance of institutional support in elite sport. The foundation celebrates Bob’s exceptional career, which includes induction into the New York Athletic Club Hall of Fame, multiple Hudson County and New Jersey state records, and six world records in the 100 meters, 220 yards, and 200 meters. As a life member of the New York Athletic Club, Bob remained deeply involved in the track and field community.
In 1991, following his passing, the Robert Rodenkirchen Foundation was founded to inspire young men and women athletes to strive for and achieve the highest accomplishment in athletic competition and to perpetuate the values of Robert Rodenkirchen’s competitive spirit and personal ideals. Dickinson High School athletes — through scholarships and awards. To date 65 students have been recipients of the Winged Foot Award, 6 scholarships have been awarded and 10 athletes have participated in summer camp.
1933 – Joins the Track team under Coach Clair Birch
1934 – Undefeated season. 220 yard champion 24.3
1935 – Captain of the Dickinson High School Track Team. Undefeated in sprints. National 220 yard record holder 23.3, 60 m in 6.4 secs. Dickinson wins Track and Field championship.
1936 – Captain of the Dickinson High School Track Team. Rodenkirchen broke the national interscholastic AAU record for the 220 tied the world’s record for the 220 at Dartmouth, equaled the 60 yard AAU interscholastic record and broke the all-time record by running the 100 in 9.9 being the first member of our track team to perform his feet. As a high school senior, set a world record in the 200-meter dash with a time of 21.0 seconds at the 1936 U.S. Eastern Olympic tryouts, running on a turn. Disqualified from Olympic Team.
From 1937 – 1939 he competed as a member of the prestigious New York Athletic Club (NYAC), which provided a platform for him to perform at an elite level. His association with the NYAC became a cornerstone of his athletic career, as the club was renowned for supporting top-tier athletes and fostering excellence in competition. Sets 5 sprint World Records
1940 & 1944 Olympics cancelled due to WWII.
1979 – Hall of Fame induction to the Hudson County Track Coaches Association (HCTCA)
1982 – Elected to Board of Governors NYAC
1986 – Inducted into NYAC Hall of Fame
1990 – Selected for Wall of Honor at the restoration and reopening of Ellis Island to recognize the contributions of immigrants to the United States
1991 – The Rodenkirchen Foundation was launched in his honor after his passing
2016 – Rodenkirchen Foundation Celebrates 25 years
2026 – Rodenkirchen Foundation Celebrates 35 years