John Melvin CRAFT

John Craft was a five-time champion in the AAU triple jump, winning in 1969 and 1971-74. He also won the AAU indoor triple jump in 1972-73. Craft won a bronze medal in the triple at the 1971 Pan American Games. Craft jumped in college for Eastern Illinois University, winning the 1967 NAIA Championship in the triple jump, defending that title the next year. He came to international attention in 1972 in an indoor dual meet against the USSR in Richmond, Virginia when he defeated triple jump legend Viktor Saneyev. After his track & field career ended, Craft turned to coaching at his alma mater, leading the women’s track and cross-country teams.

Personal Bests: LJ – 7.51 (24-7¾) (1969); TJ – 16.98 (55-8½) (1973).