Morgan State College is mourning the lack of George Rhoden, a celebrated Olympian and former observe and subject star. Rhoden, recognized by many as the perfect Jamaican quarter-miler, handed away on August 24 on the age of 97.
Rhoden, a local of Jamaica, attended MSU from 1950-1952. Throughout his time at MSU, he made a major mark in observe and subject, incomes NCAA championship titles within the 200 and 400-meter races.
Turning into an Olympic Legend
Rhoden gained worldwide recognition on the 1952 Olympic Video games in Helsinki, Finland, the place he turned the primary Jamaican to win an Olympic gold medal in observe and subject by securing victory within the 400-meter race. He additionally contributed to Jamaica’s golden success within the 4×400-meter relay. He additionally received a silver medal within the 800-meter race alongside his teammates, making him a nationwide hero.
Starting his athletic journey within the late Nineteen Forties, Rhoden emerged as one of many main lengthy sprinters of his time. His participation within the 1948 London Olympics laid the groundwork for his future triumphs regardless of falling in need of a medal as a result of a teammate’s injury-related setbacks. Rhoden altered his legacy when he shattered the world file within the 400 meters with a powerful time of 45.8 seconds in Eskilstuna, Sweden, on August 22, 1950.
His contributions to the game prolonged past his aggressive achievements. He devoted his post-athletic profession to schooling, serving as a bodily schooling instructor and observe coach at Howard College and the College of the District of Columbia. He additionally served because the president of the Jamaican Novice Athletic Affiliation was a member of the Worldwide Olympic Committee.
Because the final surviving member of Jamaica’s legendary 1952 relay staff, Rhoden leaves behind a outstanding legacy that helped set up Jamaica as a powerhouse in athletics. He’s survived by his household, buddies, and numerous admirers, who’re grateful for his enduring affect on the game.
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