Honored: George Williams
With the ’22 USATF Coaching Legend Award. The ’04 head Olympic coach had a long career that saw him guide the program at Div. II St. Augustine’s for 43 years.
Died: István Encsi, 80
On June 18, in Budapest, Hungary. He finished 11th in the ’72 Olympic hammer. Twice a World Ranker, with No. 10s in ’70 & ’71.
Died: Eeles Landström, 90
On June 29, in Vantaa, Finland. The bronze medalist in the vault in the ’60 Olympics, he won European titles in ’54 and ’58. World Ranked 7 times 1954–60, hitting No. 4 three times. In 1956 he tied for 3rd in the NCAA while competing for Michigan. A 3-time Olympian he was Finland’s flag bearer in the Opening Ceremonies of ’56 & ’60.
Died: Mark Smith, 89
On February 22, in Southfield, Michigan. The Wayne State high jumper tied for the win at the ’53 NCAA and the next year tied for 6th.
Died: Bill Squires, 89
On July 01. A 2-time cross country All-America for Notre Dame, he went on to become the renowned coach of the Greater Boston TC. He guided Bill Rodgers, Greg Meyer and Randy Thomas, among others.
Died: Miklós Szabó
On June 29, in Budapest, Hungary. A 3-time World Ranker at 5000, he was No. 7 in 1955-57. He placed 4th in the ’56 Olympics.
Died: Jüri Tarmak
On June 22, in Tallinn, Estonia. The Olympic high jump champion in ’72 for the Soviet Union, he World-Ranked only once, with his No. 1 that year. He was the last Olympic champion to use the straddle.
Died: Kazimierz Zimny, 87
On June 30. The Olympic 5000 bronze medalist for Poland in ’60, he twice won silver in the European Championships. A 6-time World Ranker, he was No. 1 in ’59.