George Young

Event: Steeplechase

Inducted to Hall of Fame: 1987

George was an endurance runner with an enduring career. He was the first American to compete in running events at four Olympic Games. In his first three Olympics ('60, '64, '68), George competed in the steeplechase, winning a bronze medal in Mexico City. He also ran in the Olympic marathon in 1968. In 1972, he competed at 5000m. In total, his competitive career spanned an impressive 25 years.

George demonstrated his versatility by setting American Records at each track distance he contested. He broke the steeplechase record three times, and the 2 mile and 5000m once each.

George established a Mt. SAC steeplechase meet record each time he contested the event. In 1972, in preparation for the Olympic Trials, he moved up to 5000m at Mt. SAC, and won there as well.

Born: 1937

College: University of Arizona

• Steeplechase
  • 1964: 1st, 8:47.4
  • 1968: 1st, 8:40.0
• 5000m
  • 1971: 2nd, 13:56.4
  • 1972: 1st, 13:53.4
    

• PRs:
  • Steeplechase: 8:30.6
  • Two miles: 8:22.0
  • 5000m: 13:32.2
• Olympic Bronze Medal, 1968
  • 8:51.86
• Olympic 5th place finish, 1964
  • 8:38.2
• U.S. National Champion:
  • steeplechase
  • 1962: 8:48.2
  • 1965: 8:50.6
  • 1968: 8:30.6 (AR)
  • 3 miles
  • 1966: 13:27.4