Lee Calhoun

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameLee Quincy•Calhoun
Used nameLee•Calhoun
Born23 February 1933 in Laurel, Mississippi (USA)
Died21 June 1989 in Erie, Pennsylvania (USA)
Measurements185 cm / 75 kg
AffiliationsNorth Carolina Central University, Durham (USA)
NOC United States
Medals OG
Gold 2
Silver 0
Bronze 0
Total 2

Biography

Lee Calhoun was the first man to have won two Olympic high hurdles titles. In 1956 he brought his best time down from 14.4 to 13.5 to win the first of his gold medals. In 1960, Calhoun improved to 13.4 and won his second Olympic title. Apart from these successes, he won the AAU (indoor and outdoor), the NAIA, and the NCAA in 1956 and successfully defended all four titles in 1957. He was suspended for the 1958 season for being married on television and receiving gifts after the ceremony. He came back in 1959 to win his third AAU outdoor championship and to win a silver medal at the Pan American Games. Shortly before winning his second Olympic crown he equalled the 110 m world record with 13.2. Calhoun graduated from North Carolina Central and, after coaching at Grambling and Western Illinois, became the head track coach at Yale.

Personal Best: 110H – 13.2 (1960).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1956 Summer Olympics Athletics USA Lee Calhoun
110 metres Hurdles, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold
4 × 100 metres Relay, Men (Olympic) United States DNS
1960 Summer Olympics Athletics USA Lee Calhoun
110 metres Hurdles, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold

Special Notes