Died: Naftali Bon, 73
On November 2, in Kapsabet, Kenya; after a short illness. A silver medalist in the 4×4 at the ’68 Olympics, where he also ran the heats of the 400, he appeared on the cover of the September ’69 issue of T&FN with Kip Keino. He ranked No. 4 in the world in the 800 that year, PRing at 1:46.50.
Died: Frank Litsky, 92
On October 30, in Washington, New York. A renowned chronicler of our sport of long standing at the New York Times, he was president of the New York Track Writers Association 1969–2009.
Died: Jacques Madubost, 74
On June 29. French high jumper World Ranked No. 7 in the high jump in ’66, the year he won the European title with a PR 6-11½ (2.12).
Died: Izumi Maki, 49
In Osaka; of breast cancer. The 2-time Olympian World Ranked No. 8 in the marathon in ’96, the same year she placed 12th in the Games and set her PR of 2:27.32.
Died: Gösta Svensson, 88
On October 14; in Stockholm. The Swedish high jumper placed 4th in the ’52 Olympics. He World Ranked No. 5 that year in his only appearance in the top 10.
