1948 and 1952 Olympic Games 4 Jamaicans won Olympic medals putting Jamaica on the map. In the process being the only country in history to have beaten the US in the 4x400. Also breaking the world record which stood for 8 years.
I have watched an hour film about this fascinating Jamaican sprinters 1976 as a primer to the upcoming 1976 Montreal Olympics, January of that year on RPN9. I was 13 years old then. I know how Uncle (with all respect) Herb felt then. I was a senior at the Univ of the Phil running the 3rd leg of the 4×400m relay for the 81-82 UAAP T&F Crown. We won the gold in that event and the T&F Championships for that year. Our school hasnt win any to date since 1981-1982. Thanks for uploading.
He was a great man Norman, he was my doctor in Lucea, Jamaica. My dad watched him run in 1948 and 1952, couldn't believe the great man was our Doctor when we moved to Lucea in 1968. I just sent my dad the clip of Dr. Wint winning the gold in 1948, I know he will be loving it!
At last! Now I have seen even brief highlights from a truly legendary run, the 1952 Olympic 4x400. It is renowned in track history for good reason. Wint-Laing-McKenley-Rhoden. World Record. By an astounding margin. Defeat of the U.S. Gold for McKenley.. at last! Fantastic race, what we see of it anyway. And what a slick change, McKenley to Rhoden on anchor. No wonder the Jamaicans are proud. Also... another Jamaican legend, Bert Cameron in the sf of the 84 Olympic 400. McKenleyesque!
@appak2 Some years ago I wrote a story for a Vietnam newspaper titled "Six attempts for a gold medal." It was about your great grand uncle Herb McKenley. He is one of the greatest triple threat sprinters of all time. 100, 200 and 400. Not an easy combination.
Herb McKenley was not one of the greatest 100 meter sprinters. At Helsinki Mckenley shrewdly judged the weakness of the100 meter field and decided to take a shot which was very nearly successful.
ah ah! good job my friend! my father Carlo Vittori have raced in the same quarter-finals in the 100 meters that Herb McKenley but he have been not qualified because he arrived sixth! Maybe you have also the movie about the quarter-finals? Should be great if you could post it! Thank you in advance! And many many thank you again for this gift! Sincerely, Massimo
@appak2 He is never forgotten by many athletes round the world. I sometimes watch that clip about his six races. It is inspirational. That was a great quartet. Arthur Wint, Leslie Laing, Herb McKenley and George Rhoden.
Rhoden was the a key man, his performance in anchoring the 4x400 in 52 was amazing. Mal Whitfield at the time was the Bolt/C Lewis/Jesse Owens of his era. Mal and Rhoden put on a world record battle, those 2 sprinters put on an amazing performance. It should be studied because it wasn't typical, it's like the US and Australia in the 4x100 swim relay. The sad story is that if the US had won, Mal Whitefield would be a house hold name like, Jesse O or C Lewis. Interesting stuff.
dont forget the great GC Foster of Jamaica in 1908 games in Britian who beat the British, the Americans , the russians the whole field, this ladies and gentlemen was one hundred years ago , you heard me right one hundred years ago, we have been dominant so far back.
McKenley did not make up four yards on Charlie Moore (the 400 m hurdles champ) on the third leg. As the video shows, it was closer to TEN yards. The timing of his run (~44.6 sec), was over a second faster than the then individual record. In my opinion, the greatest 400 m run ever.
Andrew who was Aurther Wint to you I live in England and I am trying to find out more about my history my father is John Denzel Wint born in Jamaica now living in England
The US was NOT beaten after 1952. They did not field a team in 1972 because John Smith was injured and the other two open 400m runners were banned for their protest on the awards stand. The US boycotted in 1980 so again, they were NOT beaten after 1952.
