Dick Buerkle

Dick Buerkle was a distance runner for Villanova, from which he graduated with a degree in Spanish studies, and the New York AC. He first competed internationally for the United States in 1970 when he was eighth in the 10K at the Universiade. In addition to his 1976 Olympic appearance, Buerkle made the ill-fated 1980 Olympic team. Buerkle was AAU champion at 5K in 1974 and 1976. In January 1978, Buerkle set a world indoor record for the mile, running 3:54.93. A few weeks later he won the Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games, the premier indoor meet in the USA.

Buerkle and his family later settled in the Atlanta area. He worked in sales and teaching, eventually teaching Spanish at Dunwoody High School and Henderson Middle School, where he also coached track and cross-country.

Personal Bests: 1500 – 3:39.8i (1978); Mile – 3:54.93i (1978); 2 miles – 8:21.8 (1976); 5000 – 13:23.4 (1974); 10000 – 28:25.0 (1974).