Byron LaBeach

Byron LaBeach was a reserve with the Jamaican 4x400 metres relay team that won gold at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, but he did not compete in any of the races. He did take part individually in the 100 metres at those Games, where he was eliminated in the quarterfinals. He had much better luck two years later at the Central American and Caribbean Games, where he took home gold medals in both the 4x100 and 4x400 metres relays with George Rhoden, Les Laing, and Keith Gardner.

LaBeach later moved to the United States, where he competed for Morgan State University’s track team and earned degrees in physical education and sociology. He then studied business in California, where he lived for much of his life. He also spent time in New York where he started and owned Argos Foods, an import/export food business. His brother Lloyd won the first Olympic medals for Panama by taking bronze in the 100 and 200 metres at the 1948 London Games, while another brother, Sam, was entered into the 400 metres in Helsinki, but did not compete.

Personal Best: 100 – 10.4 (1952).