Bobby Morrow

Profession: Athlete

Nationality:

Biography: Bobby Joe Morrow was an American sprinter who won three gold medals at the 1956 Olympics. He drew comparisons to Jesse Owens and was named "Sportsman of the Year" by Sports Illustrated in the wake of his Olympic triumphs.

Morrow was born in Harlingen, Texas and grew up on a farm in San Benito. His talent for running was noticed in high school, but it was at Abilene Christian University that his sprinting career truly began. In 1955, he became a member of the men's club Frater Sodalis and by 1956 he had captured the AAU 100-yard title.

At the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, he claimed gold in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes, tying the world record in the 200-meter. He also anchored the 4 × 100-meter relay team, which set a world record. This made him the first person since Jesse Owens in 1936 to achieve gold medals in sprinting events.

Following his Olympic glory, Morrow became a national celebrity. He featured on several magazine covers and appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show. He even spoke before the Texas legislature.

Despite his athletic successes, he retired from sprinting in 1958 and returned to his roots in farming and woodworking. He tried to come back for the 1960 Olympics but was unsuccessful, leading to his permanent retirement from competitions.

Morrow left behind a significant legacy, including the eponymous Bobby Morrow Stadium in San Benito, inaugurated in 2006. His achievements were further commemorated with his induction into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Texas Track and Field Coaches Hall of Fame in 2016.

Born: October 15, 1935
Birthplace: Brownsville, Texas, USA

Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Pig
Star Sign: Libra

Died: May 30, 2020 (aged 84)