Dallas Crutcher III LONG

In March 1959 the 18-year-old Dallas Long equalled Parry O'Brien's world record of 63-2 (19.25); between then and May 1964 he improved the world record six times officially and had five other marks that surpassed the existing record but which were not ratified. At the 1959 Pan American Games Long won a silver medal. He won the AAU title in 1961 and was NCAA champion for three years straight from 1960. His career closed with an Olympic victory in 1964 after he had trailed Randy Matson at the end of three rounds. Long, who attended Southern Cal, was also an outstanding discus thrower and had a best mark of 172-3½ (52.51). He later become a practicing dentist, but then attended medical school and practised emergency medicine.

Personal Bests: SP – 67-10 (20.68) (1964); DT – 172-3½ (52.51) (1961).