James Walker (hurdler)

James Walker (born October 1957) is a former American hurdler. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, he attended Auburn University from 1976-1980. Walker was one of "The Fabulous Four" along with teammates Harvey Glance, Willie Smith, and Tony Easley; together they set more school and conference records than any other foursome in the history of the Southeastern Conference.[1] Walker qualified for the 1980 U.S. Olympic team but did not compete due to the 1980 Summer Olympics boycott. He did however receive one of 461 Congressional Gold Medals created especially for the spurned athletes.[2]

James Walker
Personal information
BornOctober 1957 (age 65–66)
Atlanta, Georgia
Medal record
Men's Athletics
Representing the  United States
Pan American Games
Gold medal – first place 1979 San Juan 400 m hurdles
Olympic Boycott Games
Gold medal – first place 1980 Philadelphia 400 m hurdles

James Walker lives in Madison, Alabama.

Achievements
  • Won the gold medal at the Pan American Games in 1979 in the 400 metre hurdles[3]
  • SEC's Track & Field Athlete of the Year in 1979
  • Until 2005, held the SEC record for the 400 meter hurdles with a time of 48.48 secs in 1979[4]
  • In 1977, 1978, 1979 had the best time in the SEC for the 400 meter hurdles (49.58, 51.51, 48.48)
  • NCAA Division I champion, 400 meter hurdles, 1978 and 1979[5]
  • In 1976, had the best time in the SEC for the 120 yard hurdles (13.7 secs).
  • In 1977, 1978, 1979 had the best time for the 110 meter hurdles (13.90, 14.0, 13.70 secs).
  • In 1978, was the U.S. Outdoor Track and Field champion in the 400 metre hurdles with a time of 49.03 seconds.[6]

References
  1. "Famous Alabama sports figures, The Birmingham News". Archived from the original on 2008-03-02. Retrieved 2007-10-08.
  2. Caroccioli, Tom; Caroccioli, Jerry (2008). Boycott: Stolen Dreams of the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games. Highland Park, IL: New Chapter Press. pp. 243–253. ISBN 978-0942257403.
  3. New York Times, July 9, 1979
  4. Caribbean Net News: Trinidad’s Clement breaks 26-year-old 400m hurdles mark at SEC Championships
  5. NCAA Div. I Outdoor Track champions, Hickoksports.com Archived 2002-02-23 at the Library of Congress Web Archives
  6. USA Track & Field, List of 400 meter hurdles champions Archived 2008-06-13 at the Wayback Machine


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