Bob Schul, the only American distance runner to win a gold medal in the 5,000 meters at the Olympics, passed away on Sunday at the age of 86.
Miami University in Ohio, where Schul was a star on the track team and was inducted into the school’s hall of fame in 1973, announced his death. The cause of his death was not mentioned.
Before the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Schul predicted that he would win the gold medal, and he kept his promise. Despite the rainy conditions in Japan, he ran the final lap in an impressive 54.8 seconds to secure the victory. By the time he crossed the finish line, his white shorts were covered in mud.
Schul’s teammate, Billy Mills, had already won the gold medal in the 10,000 meters at the Tokyo Games, setting the stage for Schul’s own success.
Schul’s journey to Olympic glory was not a typical one. As a child, he suffered from asthma and joined Miami University as a walk-on athlete. After serving in the Air Force, he focused on running under the guidance of coach Mihaly Igloi.
In 1964, Schul set an American record in the 5,000 meters with a time of 13 minutes and 38 seconds. He also held a total of five American and NCAA records in the two-mile, three-mile, and 5,000-meter events.
Schul was recognized for his achievements by being inducted into the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1991. He also co-authored a book titled “In the Long Run.”
His legacy as an Olympic champion and a trailblazer in American distance running will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.