Reelected: Svein Arne Hansen
The 72-year-old Norwegian, who for many years was the meet director of Oslo’s famed Bislett Games, will serve a second term as the president of European Athletics. He will serve until ’23.
Named: Caster Semenya
As one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people of the year (see Last Lap).
Paved, To Put Up A Parking Lot: Bud Winter Field
San José State’s fabled facility, site of multiple World Records will disappear this summer to build a parking garage. Earlier plans to renovate the facility fizzled when fundraising efforts fell short. Now the $2.5 million that had already been set aside will fund a multipurpose recreational field next to the garage.
Died: Charles Foster, 65
On March 31. The North Carolina Central great won the ’74 NCAA 110 hurdles, the year he ranked No. 1 in the world. In all, World-Ranked 7 times 1973–79. The ’76 Olympic 4th-placer, he became a noted coach, working with more than 20 Olympians and winning NCAA Assistant Coach of the Year honors while at Clemson; he also coached for years at North Carolina.
Died: Lew Hartzog, 96
On April 9, in North Manchester, Indiana. Hartzog coached the Southern Illinois program for 27 years, mentoring 67 All-Americas, 12 national champions and 12 Olympians. Among other honors, he was named to the USTFCCCA’s Hall of Fame.
Died: Stanisław Szudrowicz, 71
On April 12. The Pole World Ranked No. 9 in the long jump in ’71, the year he won bronze at the European Championships and notched his PR of 26-4¼ (8.03).
Died: Yvette Williams, 89
On April 13, in Auckland. New Zealand’s first woman Olympic gold medalist, she won the long jump in the ’52 Games. She held the World Record for little more than a year with her 20-7¼ (6.28) in ’54. Overall, she won 21 Kiwi national titles in 5 events. □
