This week, we bring you a reprise of Mr. Feagler’s favorite interviews from 2012.
Harrison Dillard, Olympic Gold Medalist
The native Clevelander owns an Olympic record that may never be matched. He’s the only person to have won Olympic gold in both the 100-meter dash and the 110-meter hurdles. In 1948, he emulated his hero Jesse Owens when he was crowned the world’s fastest man in London, the last time the Games were held there. Four years later, he won the hurdles at the games in Helsinki. Dillard, now 89, won a total of four gold medals. He appeared as the track and field competition opened at the London Olympics in August.
Shana Klein, president, For the Love of Pits
Last spring, the state of Ohio officially changed its attitude about pit bulls, dogs considered vicious by some cities just by virtue of their breed. State law removed the automatic ‘vicious’ label from pit bulls, but did not overturn pit bull bans enacted by some cities. The new law allows for dogs of any breed to be declared vicious, dangerous or nuisance if they've attacked a human or another dog. Mr. Feagler talked with a local pit bull owner about the law and about living with a pet that frightens some people.
Katie Spotz, the adventurer from Mentor
In 2010 she rowed a boat across the Atlantic Ocean from Dakar, Senegal to Georgetown, Guyana, a distance of nearly 3,000 miles. Then 22, she was the youngest person and the first American to cross the Atlantic under her own power. Spotz was raising money for safe drinking water projects in Africa, a cause she still supports. She’s also the first person to swim the entire length of the Allegheny River, has ridden a hand-powered bicycle across the United States and run an ultra-marathon.
Michael Polensek, Cleveland City Council, Ward 11
In the fall, the council veteran claimed the singular distinction of being the city’s longest-serving elected official. First elected from his Collinwood neighborhood 35 years ago, Polensek is known for his acid tongue and fierce loyalty to his constituents. His clashes with other city hall figures are legendary and from time to time he’s been known to call out misbehaving constituents.