Mel Spence

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games • Non-starter
SexMale
Full nameMelville Emanuel Alfonso "Mel"•Spence
Used nameMel•Spence
Born2 January 1936 in Kingston, Kingston (JAM)
Died28 October 2012 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (USA)
Measurements177 cm / 71 kg
NOC Jamaica West Indies Federation

Biography

Mel Spence was a top one-lap runner for Jamaica although for parts of his career he represented the West Indies Federation. He competed at the Pan American Games in 1955, 1959, 1963, winning a gold medal in the 4x400 in 1959 (for the West Indies), a silver in that event in 1955 (for Jamaica), and two bronzes in 1963 (for Jamaica), in the 400 metres and 4x400. He also placed fourth in the 1959 Pan Am 800. Spence ran for Arizona State University alongside his twin brother Mal. At the 1959 NCAA Championships Mel Spence was fourth in the 440 yards and fifth in the 880. He was a three-time Border Conference champion as part of the team’s mile relay in 1958, 1960 and 1961.

Personal Bests: 200 – unknown; 400 – 46.94 (1963).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1956 Summer Olympics Athletics JAM Mel Spence
200 metres, Men (Olympic) 4 h1 r1/4
400 metres, Men (Olympic) 4 h1 r3/4
4 × 400 metres Relay, Men (Olympic) Jamaica AC r2/2
1960 Summer Olympics Athletics WIF Mel Spence
4 × 400 metres Relay, Men (Olympic) West Indies Federation DNS
1964 Summer Olympics Athletics JAM Mel Spence
4 × 400 metres Relay, Men (Olympic) Jamaica 4

Olympic family relations

Special Notes