André Phillips

André Phillips was in the shadow of his idol Edwin Moses throughout his career, managing to beat him just once, at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Phillips attended UCLA, winning the 1981 NCAA title in the 400 hurdles, and finishing fifth at the first World Championships in 1983. In 1985, in Moses’s absence, Phillips won his only US National Championship title and also won the IAAF World Cup.

In 1988, Phillips lost to Moses at the Olympic Trials, but won his heat and semifinal at the Olympics. In the final, Phillips ran his personal best 47.19 to win gold, defeating second-placed Senegelese Amadou Dia Bâ, with Moses third. After finishing his sporting career, Phillips worked as a teacher in California, first at Stagg High School. He later moved into administration, becoming an the assistant principal at Franklin High School, and then principal at Stagg High School in Stockton, California.

Personal Best: 400H – 47.19 (1988).