by Alfonz Juck
Matthew Centrowitz, Jr. (2016 Olympic gold, 1,500m), Jim Ryun (1968 Olympic silver medalist, 1,500m, WR mile/ 880y), Alan Webb, current American record, mile), photo by Ned Ryun
Jim Ryun became just one of two American track & field athletes to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Jim Ryun became the first American high schooler to break 4 minutes in the mile. He set American records at the mile 4 times, and set World records at the mile on two occasions (3:51.1), plus 1,500m one time (3:33.1) and world records at the 800 yards, both indoors and outdoors.
Jim Ryun is a wonderfully iconic American track athlete, a 3 time Olympian, whose moment came in Mexico City, in 1968, when he took the 1,500m silver medal to Kip Keino’s gold medal run.
We congratulate Jim Ryun on his Presidential Medal of Freedom. To see more on Jim Ryun, check on the link below the story.
WASHINGTON (USA): Former world mile record-holder Jim Ryun became only the second track and field athlete to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House. The former congressman is the 17th person to receive the country’s highest civilian honor during President Trump’s time in office.
Mike Fanelli’s piece on Mexico 1968, Day 8 and the Men’s 1,500m: https://www.runblogrun.com/2018/10/the-1968-mexico-olympics-reconsidered-day-eight-part-two-by-mike-fanelli.html
