Duke Olympian Bob Wheeeler passes away

Ahhh, sad for me to hear about that. Although I'm a decade younger, I remember him well. Every passing I hear about these days is a sobering reminder of my own mortality.

The runner in front of Wheeler (in the photo) was then known as Denis Fikes:

http://ivy50.com/blackHistory/story.aspx?sid=11/6/2006

Anyone have word on cause of death? He was only 58...

He had been sick for a few years and was in Palo Alto when he died. Presumably, that means he was undergoing treatment at the Stanford Medical Center.

A life long Duke supporter, both of his daughters attended his alma mater.

My prayers go out to his family.

Always have known of him from being in the photo for the front cover of Jim Ryun's book "Quest for Gold". The finish photo of the 1500 final of the 1972 Olympic Trials.

Has to be the greatest track athlete from Duke that I know of.

Very sad to go so young.

um, that would be dave sime.

free beer wrote:

Always have known of him from being in the photo for the front cover of Jim Ryun's book "Quest for Gold". The finish photo of the 1500 final of the 1972 Olympic Trials.

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1972 Olympic Trials

Only met him once but he seemed like a class act.

My condolences go out to his family.

Wow - what a shocker. Bob was my coach at San Diego St. in the late 70's. He and I later worked together at Second Sole Athletic Shoes (which he co-founded). More than being a great runner Bob was a great coach and friend. I last saw Bob about 3 years ago when he was passing through Santa Barbara. It was great to see him again. I took the time to let him know the affect he had on my life - glad I did.

Some of the runners Bob coached included Bobby Thomas (former world junior xc champ), Bill St. John (steeple, 5,000), Brian Hunsaker (5,000).

Bob helped coach at my university for a couple months about 6 years ago. He was a generous man,with a great knowledge of running and a big heart.

He will be missed.