Current:Home > MarketsBob Schul, the only American runner to win the 5,000 meters at the Olympics, dies at 86-LoTradeCoin
Bob Schul, the only American runner to win the 5,000 meters at the Olympics, dies at 86
View Date:2024-12-23 20:34:50
Bob Schul, the only American distance runner to win gold in the 5,000 meters at the Olympics, has died. He was 86.
His death on Sunday was announced by Miami University in Ohio, where Schul shined on the track and was inducted into the school’s hall of fame in 1973. No cause of death was given.
Schul predicted gold leading into the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and followed through with his promise. On a rainy day in Japan, he finished the final lap in a blistering 54.8 seconds to sprint to the win. His white shorts were covered in mud at the finish.
Schul was following the gold-medal lead of teammate Billy Mills, who won the 10,000 meters at the Tokyo Games.
The path of Schul to Olympic glory was almost an unexpected one. He suffered from an asthmatic condition as a kid and joined Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, as a walk-on. Schul served in the Air Force before focusing on running under the guidance of coach Mihaly Igloi.
Schul set what was then an American record in the 5,000 meters in 1964 with a time of 13 minutes, 38 seconds. He held a total of five American and NCAA marks in the two-mile, three-mile and 5,000 events.
He was inducted into the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1991. He also helped write a book called “In the Long Run.”
___
AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
veryGood! (4479)
Related
- Stressing over Election Day? Try these apps and tools to calm your nerves
- Two YouTubers from popular Schaffrillas Productions have died in a car crash
- Angela Bassett has played her real-life heroes — her role as royalty may win an Oscar
- 'Oscar Wars' spotlights bias, blind spots and backstage battles in the Academy
- He failed as a service dog. But that didn't stop him from joining the police force
- Get these Sundance 2023 movies on your radar now
- How Hollywood squeezed out women directors; plus, what's with the rich jerks on TV?
- The Missouri House tightens its dress code for women, to the dismay of Democrats
- Minnesota county to pay $3.4M to end lawsuit over detainee’s death
- Take your date to the grocery store
Ranking
- Diamond Sports Group can emerge out of bankruptcy after having reorganization plan approved
- Netflix's 'Chris Rock: Selective Outrage' reveals a lot of anger for Will Smith
- Pop culture people we're pulling for
- Marilyn Monroe was more than just 'Blonde'
- Teachers in 3 Massachusetts communities continue strike over pay, paid parental leave
- New graphic novel explores the life of 'Queenie,' Harlem Renaissance mob boss
- LBJ biographer Robert Caro reflects on fame, power and the presidency
- Restrictions On Drag Shows Have A History In The U.S.
Recommendation
-
How Kim Kardashian Navigates “Uncomfortable” Situations With Her 4 Kids
-
U.S. prosecutors ask for 25 more years in prison for R. Kelly
-
Berklee Indian Ensemble's expansive, star-studded debut album is a Grammy contender
-
'Inside the Curve' attempts to offer an overview of COVID's full impact everywhere
-
Get $103 Worth of Tatcha Skincare for $43.98 + 70% Off Flash Deals on Elemis, Josie Maran & More
-
'After Sappho' brings women in history to life to claim their stories
-
Does 'Plane' take off, or just sit on the runway?
-
Halyna Hutchins' Ukrainian relatives sue Alec Baldwin over her death on 'Rust' set