In one of the most exciting races in Olympic history, Woodruff became boxed in by other runners and was forced to stop running.

He took the lead, lost it on the backstretch, but regained it on the final turn and won the gold medal.

Woodruff also held a share of the world 4×880 yard relay record while competing with the national team.

In later years Woodruff lived in New Rochelle in Westchester County, New York[6] and in Hightstown, New Jersey.

[5] He coached young athletes and officiated at local and Madison Garden track meets.

Woodruff's last public appearance was on April 15, 2007 when he, along with the members of the Tuskegee Airmen, was honored by the Arizona Diamondbacks by throwing out the first pitch.

John Woodruff is buried at Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis (section 46, lot 86).