The former American athlete Bob Schul, Olympic 5,000m champion at the 1964 Tokyo Gamesdied this Sunday, June 16, at the age of 86, according to various North American media reports.
Born in 1937 on a farm in Ohio, He is the only American to win Olympic gold in the 5,000m distance.60 years ago.
In that race, which took place in the old Tokyo National StadiumSchul won in a spectacular final sprint against major rivals such as the American Bill Dellinger, the German Harald Norpoth and the Frenchman Michel Jazy.
His success, with his countrymen Billy Mills at 10,000m, served to increase the popularity of running in the United States.
It will be the last major event for the American distance runner, who retired from athletics a year later, aged 28, due to persistent injuries. Later, he served as a coach, history teacher, and owner of a running shoe store.
It is included in the hall of fame from the United States Track and Field Federation (USATF) in 1991.
Source: La Verdad
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