Lou Jones (athlete)

Lou Jones (actually: Louis Woodard Jones, III, born January 15, 1932 in New Rochelle, New York; † 3 February 2006 in New York, NY) was an American sprinter. He improved twice the world record over 400 m and 1956 with the U.S. team Olympic gold medalist in the 4 x 400 - meter relay

Jones was known as a student of the New Rochelle High School as an above-average runner. Following high school, he attended the Manhattan College in the Bronx and completed his education with a Master of Teachers College, Columbia University.

During his military service he qualified for the 1955 Pan American Games in Mexico City. There he presented in the race over 400 meters at 45.4 s a new world record and improved the five -year-old mark of George Rhoden by four tenths. With the U.S. relay race he won over 4 x 400 m his second gold medal.

Four months before the 1956 Olympics Jones improved, within the Olympic elimination fights his own personal best by more two-tenths to 45.2 s and traveled as favorite to Melbourne. In the Olympic final he could not meet the high expectations placed on it, and was 1.3 seconds behind his compatriot Charles Jenkins only fifth. He could compensate for this disappointment with the Olympic gold medal as a member of the U.S. team in the 4 x 400 - meter relay.

After finishing his sports career he worked as a teacher in New York City and Westchester County. On 3 February 2006, he died at the age of 74 years to a cardiac arrest.