Lillian Young

Lillian Young ran for Forestville Playground in Chicago and attended Chicago Teachers’ College. She competed at the 1948 Olympics in both the 100 and the long jump, after placing second in the long jump and third in the 100 at the US Olympic Trials. Young was on the podium several times at the AAUs, but her only major win was the 1947 AAU Junior Nationals long jump.

Young’s brother, Buddy Young, was a track and football star at the University of Illinois who later played for nine years in the AAFC (All-American Football Conference) and the NFL (1950-55). He became the first African-American executive with the NFL, eventually serving as director of player relations.

Personal Bests: 100 – 12.6 (1948); LJ – 17-9¼ [5.41] (1948).