Abel Kiviat

Abel Kiviat (Abel Richard Kiviat, born June 23, 1892 in New York; † August 24, 1991 in Lakehurst, New Jersey) was an American middle distance runner.

On June 8, 1912, he turned in Cambridge (Massachusetts ) with 3:55,8 on the first official world record in the 1500 meter race. Thus, he was considered favorite for the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm. However, in the final he was defeated in a very close finish surprising the British Arnold Jackson ( 3:56,8 ) and won in 3:56,9 silver ahead of compatriot Norman Taber ( also 3:56,9 ). Kiviat also participated in the team's run over 3000m and was a lead in the best of his team. In the final he got out when he realized he would not get in the standings, but as the other members of the victorious U.S. team was awarded a gold medal.

On February 15, 1913, he presented in New York City with 4:18,2 on a world indoor record in the mile run.

Three times he was U.S. champion over 1 mile (1911, 1912, 1914) and once in cross country (1913). In the hall he won twice the national title over 600 yards (1911, 1913) and three times more than 1000 yards (1911, 1913, 1914).

Abel Kiviat, who was only 1.60 meters tall, was 99 years old and invited as the last survivor of the Olympic team from 1912 to the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.