The man who did it first

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THE JAMAICAN track and field community is in mourning following the passing of sports icon and double Olympic gold medallist George Rhoden. Rhoden died on Saturday at the age of 97.

Rhoden was a member of the first Jamaican delegation to compete at the London Olympics in 1948 when he lined up in the men’s 100, 400, and 4x400-metre relay events.

In 1950, he would set a then-world record mark in the men’s 400 metres in 45.8 seconds.

He won his first Olympic gold medal at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, taking home the 400-metre title, clipping Herb McKenley, before returning to win gold in the 4x400.

Christopher Samuda, president of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), paid his respects through a statement commemorating Rhoden’s legacy on and off the track.

“A life lived nobly and with national pride on the track,” Samuda said.

“A Jamaican who understood the value of legacy creation in sport as a critical element of nation-building.

“Olympian George Rhoden has bequeathed, generously, to the athletic world a script that we can become what we will ourselves to be and that in any endeavour your footprints will blueprint the length and greatness of your stride.”

‘Laid the groundwork’

The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) also released a statement mourning the Rhoden’s passing.

JAAA president Garth Gayle described Rhoden as one of the ‘building blocks’ of Jamaica’s rich legacy in track and field who had ‘laid the groundwork’ for future generations to follow.

“George Rhoden was one of the building blocks of our sport in Jamaica. He demonstrated true grit and determination in every single one of his races and was a dependable team member.

“He would grind out every event, giving everything for his team and his country. His performances in 1952 will always be remembered as they laid the groundwork for the strong track and field nation we are today.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Sport Olivia Grange expressed her condolences as Rhoden was the final member of the Jamaican 4x400m gold-medal winning quartet at the 1952 Summer Games to have passed.

“It’s so sad that Vincent George Rhoden, the last of the celebrated quartet that won the gold medal for Jamaica in the mile relay at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952, has left us,” she said.

“There is no doubt that Vincent George Rhoden played his part in paving the way for future generations of Jamaican track athletes, who have certainly not let him down.”

Rhoden was also remembered by the Morgan State University where he studied during his formative years.

The institution remembered him as an icon who inspired a generation of athletes with his performances and his character on the track.

“Morgan State University is deeply saddened by the loss of George Rhoden, an Olympian and former track and field legend who passed away on August 24, 2024, at the age of 97,” their press release wrote.

“Rhoden, a native of Jamaica, attended Morgan State where he excelled in track and field. He was hailed by many as the best quarter-miler to have ever represented Jamaica.”

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