FROM PEPPERDINE SPORTS INFORMATION (copy by Karen Costello)
August 23, 2007
PEPPERDINE CROSS COUNTRY HIRES OLYMPIAN JOHNNY GRAY
MALIBU, Calif. – Johnny Gray, four-time Olympian and the American record-holder in the indoor and outdoor 800 meters, has joined head coach Robert Radnoti as an assistant coach for the Pepperdine men’s and women’s cross country team.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to add an elite athlete, who has competed at the highest level to our coaching staff.” Radnoti said. “Johnny’s championship attitude and extensive knowledge will help bring our program to a higher level. We are ecstatic to have him join us. He knows what it takes to be successful.”
Gray won the Olympic bronze medal in the 1992 Olympics and was a seven-time U.S. Outdoor national champion. He was the 1999 Pan Am Games champion and a three-time Olympic Trials champion. In 1988 and 1985 he was ranked #2 in the world in the 800 meters.
“I’m very excited to be a part of building Pepperdine’s running program and making it number one,” Gray said. “I’ve known this campus for years, I’ve trained on the track and I’ve always thought it was the most beautiful venue. To be asked by Coach Radnoti to coach here is a blessing and a privilege.”
Prior to accepting the position at Pepperdine, Gray has been and will continue to be a personal trainer and conditioning coach for professional and world class athletes. He is currently training Khadebvis Robinson, the 2007 National Outdoor 800 meter Champion. Gray is the CEO for JS & Associates Innovation in Motivation and owner of Neo-tone, a therapeutic athletic clothing line.
He attended Santa Monica Community College from 1978-80 and graduated from Arizona State University in 1981.
Gray joins a staff that includes fellow assistant Karen Costello.
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Roger Horne
Sports Information Director
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA, 90263-4455
(work) 310-506-4455
(cell) 805-279-4551
(fax) 310-506-4322