Bob Young

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameRobert Clark "Bob"•Young
Used nameBob•Young
Born15 January 1916 in Bakersfield, California (USA)
Died3 February 2011 in Bakersfield, California (USA)
Measurements184 cm / 77 kg
AffiliationsUCLA Bruins, Los Angeles (USA)
NOC United States
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 1
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

The 20-year-old Bob Young of UCLA was the youngest member of the 1936 4×400 m relay team. Young placed fifth at the Final Trials, having earlier set a personal best of 47.1 for 400 m in finishing second to Jimmy LuValle at the Western Olympic Trials. Just after the Berlin Olympics, he competed in a dual meet in London against a British Empire team, and helped the USA team (with Chuck Hornbostel, Harry Williamson, and John Woodruff) set a world record in the 4×880 yard relay. In 1937 he posted his best mark for 440 y when he ran 47.1 in a heat of the AAUs, and he also had his best finish that year at the AAU Meet, placing second to Ray Malott. Young attended Bakersfield College and UCLA. After college he worked for Standard Oil in his native Bakersfield, before serving in the US Navy during World War II. After the war he worked as an accountant for 10 years, handling the accounts of farmers, before becoming a grape farmer himself in Paso Robles, selling many of his grapes to the Paul Masson Winery. At his death, Young was survived by Alice, his wife of 71 years.

Personal Best: 400 – 47.1 (1936/37).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1936 Summer Olympics Athletics USA Bob Young
4 × 400 metres Relay, Men (Olympic) United States 2 Silver

Special Notes