the 1893 aau championships were held in conjunction with the world's fair in chicago, and the "new york times" promoted the occasion with a special medal to be awarded to the best athlete of the meeting; the medal's value exceeded the allowable limit in amateur competition, and had to receive a special exemption from the amateur athletic union. puffer set his sights on this medal, declaring himself the favorite to win it; james e. sullivan, secretary of the aau, also considered puffer the favorite. at the championships, puffer repeated his hurdles double from the previous year, but sprinter charles stage also won two events; the judges were unable to decide which of them deserved the medal, and after both puffer and stage refused to draw lots for it, the matter was referred to the aau to be decided later. in the end, the medal was cut in half, with both athletes receiving one part.