David James Wottle (born August 7, 1950) is an American retired middle-distance track athlete. He was the gold medalist in the 800 meter run at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich and a world record holder in the 800 meters. In 1973, Wottle also ran the 3rd fastest Mile in history. He was known for wearing a golf cap while running. Early life Dave Wottle was born in Canton, Ohio. During his childhood he was very slim and feeble. His family doctor told him that he needed to do something, such as running, to strengthen himself. The young boy took this advice and started to run. Running career High school running Wottle attended Canton Lincoln High School in Canton, Ohio, graduating in 1968. Wottle was the 1968 Ohio State champion in the mile, after finishing 4th in 1967. Collegiate running Competing for Bowling Green State University, Wottle finished second to Marty Liquori in the mile run at the 1970 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. That same year he represented his country in the 800 meters at the World University Games in Turin narrowly missing the final. During the 1971 season Wottle was hampered by injuries, but a year later in 1972 he won the 1,500 meter race at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. 1972 Olympics Leading up to the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany, Wottle won the AAU 800 meter title before equaling the world record over 800 meters of 1:44.3 at the US Olympic Trials. In the 800 meter final at the Olympics, Wottle immediately dropped to the rear of the field, and stayed there for the first 500 m, at which point he started to pass runner after runner up the final straightaway. He seized the lead in the final stretch to beat pre-race favorite Yevgeny Arzhanov of the Soviet Union by just 0.03 seconds. This gained him the nickname of "The Head Waiter". (Another nickname was "Wottle the Throttle"). Stunned by his victory, Wottle forgot to remove his cap on the podium during the national anthem. This was interpreted by some as a form of protest, but Wottle later apologized at the news conference following the medals ceremony. He also competed in the 1500 meter run at the Munich Olympics, but he was eliminated in the semi-finals. His signature cap was originally used for practical purposes. He sported long hair at the peak