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....ilver.html
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- RIP: Gene Cole - 1st Olympian to break 47 and not make the Olympic final - has died at age 89
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- RE: RIP: Gene Cole - 1st Olympian to break 47 and not make the Olympic final - has died at age 89 - in reply to LetsRun.com
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That makes him the second medalist from the 1952 Olympic games to die this year. Steeple champion Horace Ashenfelter died on January 6th.
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- RE: RIP: Gene Cole - 1st Olympian to break 47 and not make the Olympic final - has died at age 89 - in reply to LetsRun.com
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the thread title is cringey. What a bizarre designation to make up.
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