Reelected: Thomas Bach, 67
As president of the IOC; for a final 4-year term. With no opposition, he won with 93 votes; there was 1 no and 4 abstentions.
Died: Larry Cuzzort, 62
On February 20, in Indianapolis; of C19. He was a 4-time All-America at Western Kentucky. A 13:39.73 performer, he placed 5th in the NCAA 5000 in ’80.
Died: Helena Fuchsová, 55
On March 14, in the Czech Republic. A World Indoor bronze medalist in both the 400 and 800, she World Ranked twice in the 400 (high of No. 6 in ’98) and once at 800 (No. 10 in ’00). She had PRs of 50.21 and 1:58.37.
Died: Gary Halpin, 55
Suddenly, on February 23, in Kilkenny, Ireland. The ’88 NCAA Indoor champ in the weight throw for Manhattan, he was a 3-time All-America in the hammer (runner-up in ’87) he represented Ireland in the World Championships that year. He went on to a career as a professional rugby player.
Died: Paul McMullen, 48
On March 04, in Cadillac, Michigan; in a ski accident. Runner-up in the ’95 NCAA 1500 for Eastern Michigan, he was 10th in the World Championships that year. In ’96 he won the OT and made it to the semis at the Games. After losing several toes in a lawn-mowing accident, he produced PRs of 1:45.71, 3:33.89 & 3:54.94 and placed 10th in the ’01 WC 1500.A 5-time U.S. ranker he was No. 1 in both ’96 and ’01.
Died: Bob Parks, 90
On March 03, in White Lake, Michigan. The USTFCCCA Hall Of Fame coach guided Eastern Michigan’s men’s teams for 34 years, capturing 31 Mid-American team titles. He had an athlete in the Olympics every year, 1968–2012. □