Arthur 'Art' George Bragg emerged from Baltimore as a sprinting prodigy in the early 1950s. His natural talent and relentless work ethic propelled him to the forefront of track and field. 

As a star athlete at Morgan State College, Bragg consistently dominated sprinting events, showcasing his exceptional agility and raw power. His reign in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) was undeniable, marked by four 100-yard dash titles and three 220-yard championships. Bragg's sophomore year in 1951 saw him reach the pinnacle of collegiate sprinting, claiming the NCAA 100-yard championship with an impressive time of 9.6 seconds. This success propelled him onto the national stage, where he continued to excel.

His dedication culminated in significant achievements, including medal-winning performances at the prestigious 1951 Pan American Games and record-breaking runs in various national competitions, solidifying his position as one of the nation's top sprinters.



Despite his many successes, his Olympic disappointment in 1952 remained a lasting regret. After suffering a hamstring injury in a freak accident during warmups, he was unable to perform at his best and was eliminated in the semi-finals of the 100 meters. Reflecting on that moment, Bragg admitted, "Every Olympics, when I watch the 100 on TV, I break down and cry."

Undeterred, Bragg continued competing after college, solidifying his place among the top American sprinters of his time.

In 1954, he claimed both the 100- and 220-yard titles at the AAU Championships, setting meet records of 9.4 and 21.1 seconds, respectively. He became known for his slow starts but powerful finishes, a racing style that brought both thrilling victories and heartbreaking near-misses on the biggest stages. That same year, he was nominated for the prestigious James E. Sullivan Award, given annually to the nation's top amateur athlete. Had he won, he would have been the first African American recipient, but the honor ultimately went to Mal Whitfield.

Known for his strong finishes and perseverance, Bragg continued competing after college, winning multiple AAU titles and anchoring relay victories for his team. These post-collegiate achievements underscored his dedication to the sport, showcasing that his passion extended far beyond the collegiate arena. He remained a formidable presence in the track and field community. His success at the AAU level further solidified his reputation on the track, inspiring a generation of aspiring athletes with his commitment to excellence.

Off the track, Bragg built a career in public service, working as a Deputy Probation Officer for the L.A. County Probation Department until his retirement in 1993. He lived in Los Angeles with his wife, Marie, and their son, Arthur G. Bragg, Jr.

Bragg died of cardiac arrest Aug. 25, 2019 at a hospital near his residence in Southern California. He was 87.

A 1974 inductee of the Morgan State Athletic Hall of Fame, he was enshrined a year later into the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame.