You might be wondering, who exactly was Major Taylor? Well, we're here to shed light on this remarkable figure. Major Taylor, an African American cyclist from the early 20th century, is renowned as the greatest sprinter in the history of cycling. His story is a testament to triumphing over adversity, unwavering perseverance, and the enduring spirit of an athlete who confronted racism and hostility with unwavering determination. Let's delve into the extraordinary life of Major Taylor.

Early Beginnings

Born on November 26, 1878, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor grew up in a family of eight children, with limited financial resources. However, a pivotal moment occurred when his father's employer gifted him a bicycle. Little did anyone suspect that this bicycle would become the catalyst for an incredible journey.

By the early 1890s, Taylor had already honed his skills as a trick rider, performing daring stunts outside a local bike shop while wearing a military uniform, a performance that earned him the moniker 'Major.' During this period, he crossed paths with Louis Munger, a fellow cyclist, who would alter the course of Taylor's life. Munger introduced him to competitive racing and persuaded him to relocate to Worcester, Massachusetts, where Taylor's career would ascend to new heights.

Rising Star

Taylor's venture into competitive cycling commenced in the 1890s, and in 1895, he achieved his first significant victory when he became the lone finisher in a grueling 75-mile road race. Encouraged by Munger, Taylor decided to turn professional in 1896, a bold step at the tender age of 18. He made his professional debut in a six-day race at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Swiftly, he gained recognition as the "most formidable racer in America" and earned the moniker "Black Cyclone" from the press. His exceptional talent even caught the attention of President Theodore Roosevelt.

In 1899, Taylor etched his name in history by winning the World Cycling Championship one-mile sprint, becoming just the second Black athlete to secure a world title in a recognized sport, following in the footsteps of George Dixon, a Canadian bantamweight boxer.

Yet, Taylor's journey had only just begun. In 1898-1899, he astounded the cycling world by setting seven world records across various distances. In 1900, he was crowned the American sprint champion and continued to dominate the cycling circuit in Europe and Australia. His personal life also thrived as he tied the knot with Daisy Morris in 1902, and together, they welcomed their daughter, Sydney, in 1904.

However, amidst his monumental success, Taylor confronted formidable challenges, both on and off the racetrack.

Facing Adversity

Racism was pervasive in the cycling community during the early 20th century. Black cyclists like Taylor often encountered exclusion from races, either through organizational bias or white competitors' refusals to compete against them. When permitted to race, Taylor endured insults, foul play, and sabotage from fellow competitors and spectators. One particularly shocking incident occurred in 1897 when a rival cyclist, William Becker, attacked Taylor, choking him into unconsciousness.

Taylor endured blatant racism that had a profound impact on his physical and mental well-being. Despite his achievements, he refrained from encouraging others to follow his path, aiming to shield them from the hostility he had endured. Nevertheless, he displayed resilience, as evidenced by his statement in his autobiography, "Life is too short for a man to hold bitterness in his heart."

Retirement & Passing

In 1910, Taylor retired from professional cycling at the age of 32, recognizing the toll that age was taking on him. His final race occurred in a veterans' competition in 1917. Following retirement, financial difficulties plagued Taylor due to unsuccessful business endeavors, including a self-published autobiography. The crash of the stock market in 1929 exacerbated his financial troubles, leading to his separation from his wife and daughter.

By 1930, Taylor resided in a Chicago YMCA Hotel, trying to sell copies of his autobiography door-to-door. He experienced a heart attack in March 1932 but survived thanks to a successful surgery. Nevertheless, his health remained fragile, and he passed away on June 21, 1932, at the age of 53, in the charity ward of Cook County Hospital.

Initially interred in an unmarked pauper's grave in Mount Glenwood Cemetery near Chicago, Taylor's story didn't conclude there.

Legacy

In 1948, a group of cyclists, including former cycling champions and members of the Olde Tymers Athletic Club of South Wabash Avenue YMCA, gathered to provide Major Taylor with a proper burial. Frank W. Schwinn, the head of the Schwinn Bicycle Company at the time, generously donated funds for the effort. They exhumed and reburied Taylor in a more prominent section of the same cemetery and added a plaque that beautifully encapsulates his legacy:

"World's champion bicycle racer who came up the hard way without hatred in his heart, an honest, courageous and God-fearing, clean-living, gentlemanly athlete. A credit to his race who always gave out his best. Gone but not forgotten."

Today, Major Taylor's legacy endures through various monuments, structures, streets, clubs, and races bearing his name. His exceptional athletic accomplishments, coupled with his resilience in the face of adversity, establish Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor as an enduring icon in the annals of sports history. While he may have passed away, his story will forever remain in our memory.