He was born in Braintree, Massachusetts. While he is primarily known for his exploits in the pole vault event, he has demonstrated versatility in other events including long jump and high jump. He set several records at Braintree High School.[citation needed] At the age of 19 he was the best pole vaulter in the state of Massachusetts. He became known as "the Barefoot Boy" for his habit of high jumping with one shoe on and one shoe off. Then when he matriculated to the University of New Hampshire under coach Paul Sweet, the Boston newspaper sport pages would refer to him as "One Shoe Boo". His fame spread as he pole vaulted on an athletic tour of Canada with three other athletes including Babe Ruth. In 1940 he took his athletic skills to the University of New Hampshire, where his record in the long jump lasted for 67 years. Morcom competed in the pole vault at the 1948 Summer Olympics for the United States, finishing in 6th place after passing at lesser heights, then during a rainstorm, missing at the height the eventual winners would clear of 4.20 meters. A week later he beat the winning height by 6 inches.[In 1949 he won his third United States national championship.
Class: 1939 Inducted: 2009