Tom Courtney was an Olympic sprinter known for a last-second victory in the 800-meter race at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia.
- Died: August 22, 2023 (Who else died on August 22?)
- Details of death: Died at an assisted living facility in Naples, Florida, of amyloidosis at the age of 90.
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Tom Courtney’s legacy
Courtney was a track star at Fordham University who set world records, including in the two-mile relay and 600-yard dash. He was even featured on a Sports Illustrated cover during his Fordham career. He was drafted into the U.S. Army after graduation but allowed to continue training in competitive running while he served. Courtney was midway through his military service when he qualified for the Olympics.
In the 800-meter dash, Courtney and his fellow American, Arnie Sowell, were leading the race along with England’s Derek Johnson as the finish line loomed. A burst of speed from Johnson put Courtney behind, but he surged forward in the race’s last meters. He ended up winning by a mere tenth of a second, unsure of his own victory until it was confirmed. A few days later, he was part of the gold medal-winning U.S. team in the 4×400-meter relay.
After his military service ended in 1957, Courtney received his MBA at Harvard University, later working as an investor. He did not continue racing for long after his Olympic victory, but he ran at least one mile in under five minutes every year until his 50th birthday.
Tributes to Tom Courtney
Full obituary: The New York Times
