Leonard Harvey NITZ

Leonard Harvey Nitz was primarily a track pursuiter who competed at three Olympic Games, winning a bronze medal in individual pursuit and silver in team pursuit at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Internationally he won gold medals in team pursuit at the 1983 and 1987 Pan American Games, adding a bronze in 1987 in the kilometre time trial on the track. He won two World Championship medals, both in the points race, silver in 1981 and bronze in 1986.

Domestically Nitz was a five-time US Champion in individual pursuit, winning in 1976 and 1980-83. He also won six US titles in team pursuit, in 1980-84 and 1986. Nitz added two other national track titles in the kilometre time trial in 1982 and 1984. He continued to compete in masters events into the late 1990s. Nitz settled near Sacramento, California, working as a part-time carpenter, cycling coach, and stock market investor.