He had a fascinating career. After being a HS star, he went to Ohio State and didn't run track until his last year when he ended up on the US Olympic team for both the 400 and 4 x 400. In the open 400, his claim to fame is being the first man to break 47 and not make the final of the Olympics.
The US's 4 x 400 smashed the WR by 4 seconds but ended up getting silver as Jamaica was even better. Great writeup on him below.
http://onceuponatimeinthevest.blogspot.ca/2018/01/v-8-n-3-gene-cole-rip-1952-4x400-silver.html
RIP: Gene Cole - 1st Olympian to break 47 and not make the Olympic final - has died at age 89
Pro News/Info/Results
History
Report Thread
You are reporting this thread to the moderators for review and possible removal from the forum.
-
-
That makes him the second medalist from the 1952 Olympic games to die this year. Steeple champion Horace Ashenfelter died on January 6th.
-
the thread title is cringey. What a bizarre designation to make up.
