| Birth Date: | June 21, 1889 |
| Birth Place: | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Death Date: | July 21, 1972 (aged 83) |
| Death Place: | Lake George, New York, United States |
| Height: | 1.82m (05.97feet) |
| Weight: | 73kg (161lb) |
| Sport: | Sprint running |
| Club: | Detroit Athletic Club |
| Show-Medals: | yes |
Ralph Cook Craig (June 21, 1889 – July 21, 1972) was an American track and field athlete. He was the winner of the sprint double at the 1912 Summer Olympics.[1]
Craig began his track career as a hurdler at Detroit Central High School, and only later developed into a sprinter at the University of Michigan.[2] In 1910, he won the IC4A 220 y championship, repeating this the following year.
In 1912, Craig qualified for the Olympic team and went to Sweden, where he reached the final of the 100m. A big favorite was his compatriot Donald Lippincott, who had set a world record of 10.6 in the heats. After no less than seven false starts, Craig won the race in 10.8 – Lippincott only finished third. Craig fought out another battle with Lippincott in the 200m, edging him to win the 200 m title. Craig was not a part of the American 4 × 100 m relay team, which was disqualified.[3]
Immediately after the Olympics, Craig retired from the sport. His younger brother, James B. Craig, also ran track at Michigan and starred for the Michigan Wolverines football team, earning a consensus selection to the 1913 College Football All-America Team.
In 1948, Craig made a return to the Olympics as an alternate on the US yachting team. Although he did not actually compete, Craig (59) carried the American flag at the opening ceremonies in London.[1] [4]
Craig was employed for many years as an administrator with the New York State Unemployment Bureau.[5] He died at Lake George, New York.
In 2010 he was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame.[6]