Died: Michel Bernard, 87
On February 14, in Anzin, France. A 5-time World Ranker in the 1500, the French Olympian was 7th in both the 1500 and 5000 at the ’60 Games. He also Ranked 3 times at 5000. In ’61 he ran anchor on France’s World Record 4 x 1500 team. PRs: 3:38.7 & 13:40.0.
Died: Don Bragg, 83
On February 16, in Antioch, California; from complications of dementia. The ’60 Olympic vault gold medalist World-Ranked 1955–61, with No. 1s in ’59 & ’60. He won the NCAA title for Villanova in ’55 and was runner-up two years later. At the ’60 Olympic Trials, he set a World Record 15‑9¼ (4.80) on a metal pole. Nicknamed “Tarzan,” he never did fulfill his desire to play the ape man in the movies, although he did perfect the yell.
Died: Heinz Fütterer, 87
In Illingen, Germany, on February 10. World Ranked No. 1 in the 100 in ’54, the year he twice tied the World Record of 10.2. Ranked No. 2 in the 200 that same year. Overall, rated 4 times in the 100 and 3 in the 200. Indoors he tied the 50 WR at 5.6 and twice set the 60 record at 6.5. He also led off West Germany’s bronze medal 4×1 at the ’56 Games and ran third leg on a 39.5 WR 4×1 two years later.
Died: Delroy Poyser, 57
On February 11, in Lubbock, Texas; of cancer. The Jamaican starred at Texas Tech, where he placed 3rd in the NCAA Indoor triple jump in ’83 and 3rd in the long jump the following year. His lifetime bests were 25-11 (7.90) and 54-4¾ (16.58).
Died: Tilly van der Zwaard, 81
On February 6, In Edgewater, Florida. A 2-time World Ranker in the 400, with a high of No. 5 in ’62, she finished 6th in the ’64 Olympic final. □
