Garrels began his Olympic competition with the shot put competition on July 16, 1908. He finished third in the event, as fellow American (and former University of Michigan athlete) Ralph Rose took the gold medal. The discus throw was held on the same day, and Garrels failed to finish among the leaders. Fellow American Martin Sheridan took the gold medal in the event. On July 18, 1908, Garrels also competed in the Greek discus, and again he did not place among the leaders. Competing in his fourth event, Garrels took the silver medal in the 110-meter hurdles, finishing second behind fellow American Forrest Smithson who set a new world record with a time of 15.0 seconds. Following Smithson's surprise victory over Garrels, one press account noted: