Herb Douglas, the oldest living US Olympic medalist who captured the bronze medal in the long jump at the 1948 summer games in London, died Saturday, the University of Pittsburgh announced. he was 101
University Chancellor Patrick Gallagher announced Douglas’ passing in a statement Monday.
Herb Douglas, left, and Louis Stokes attend the Hennessy VS and Cleveland Cavaliers event honoring Olympic medalist Herb Douglas for Black History Month on February 2, 2015 in Cleveland. (Duane Prokop/Getty Images for Moet Hennessy)
«In all the roles he held, as an aspiring Hazelwood athlete, as a student athlete and trustee of the University, and as an esteemed businessman, Olympian and community leader, Herb Douglas excelled,» Gallagher said.
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«He was a champion both himself and others, never hesitating to open the doors of opportunity and help people achieve their own success. Unsurprisingly, Herb left an indelible mark on this world, while who left an incomprehensible hole in the hearts of so many». I am proud to have called him my friend, and Karen and I will keep his family and circle of loved ones close in our thoughts as we begin to honor his remarkable life and legacy.»
Born in the Pittsburgh area on March 9, 1922, Douglas first attended Xavier University in New Orleans before returning home where he finally enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh in 1945.
Olympic medalist and former Moët Hennessy executive Herb Douglas attends the unveiling of artist Kadir Nelson’s inspired art sculpture titled «The Major» at the World Trade Center on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, in New York. (Andrew Kelly/AP Images for Hennessy, File)
He became the first African American to play. football For The Panthers, but he was best known as a star athlete on the track team.
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Douglas won four intercollegiate championships in the long jump and one in the 100-yard dash at Pitt and three AAU titles in the long jump. He earned a spot on the 1948 US Olympic team after finishing second to Willie Steele in the Olympic trials.
In London, she would win bronze in the long jump with a jump of 24 feet 9 inches.
Ultimately, he was inducted into the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame inaugural class in 2018.
«Herb Douglas led a remarkable life that inspired people around the world. Whether as an Olympic medalist, accomplished business executive or personal mentor, Herb made an impact and was loved by many. That is certainly the case at the University of Pittsburgh, where his life and legacy are truly enduring,» Pitt athletic director Heather Lyke said in a statement.
Louis Stokes, left, and Herb Douglas attend the Hennessy VS and Cleveland Cavaliers event honoring Olympic medalist Herb Douglas for Black History Month on February 2, 2015 in Cleveland (Duane Prokop/Getty Images for Moet Hennessy)
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«His incredible intellect and determination were only surpassed by his personal kindness. Pitt Athletics will forever be indebted for his passion and support. It is only fitting that our future indoor track be named in Herb’s honor, ensuring that his name and legacy lives on for inspire future Pitt student-athletes.
Douglas is survived by his wife, Minerva Douglas, their daughter, and four grandchildren.
Associated Press contributed to this report.