Earl Thomson

Champion equestrian Earl Foster Thomson was born on August 14, 1900 in Cleveland, Ohio. Originally a member of the 8th Cavalry polo team, Thomson was mentored by fellow champion horse rider Harry Chamberlin who in turn brought Thomson into the United States equestrian team. Earl won gold medals in the men's three-day event, team at both the 1932 and 1948 Olympics and silver medals in the men's three-day event, individual at both the 1932 and 1936 Olympics as well as another silver medal in the men's dressage, team at the 1948 Olympics. A graduate of West Point, Thomson served as chief of staff of the 10th Mountain Division during World War II. After the war ended Earl continued to serve in Europe for several years until his retirement as a full colonel in 1954. Thomson died at age 70 on July 5, 1971 in Santa Barbara, California.