The great Payton Jordan dies

[kitkat1]

@lkh

I remember watching Payton Jordan run 200 in 34-something at the age of 84 or 85. He died holding these masters world records:

100m 80-84 14.35 (set at the age of 80)
200m 80-84 30.89 (also set at the age of 80)

BTW, Tommie Smith retired a couple of years ago after being the long-time track coach at Santa Monica College.

I recently bought my own copy (and a few as gifts) of SALUTE the film about Peter Norman and the 68 Mexico podium protest.

The director had the wisdom to include a film interview (in several parts) with Payton Jordan. He was under a lot of pressure in 68. One quote I remember was him saying there wasn’t a day for six months leading to the Games when someone didn’t phone and make a death threat. “You want to be head coach - you’ll be a dead coach” .

If think the interview with Payton must have been conducted at San Jose State on the day they inaugurated that towering statue of the Mexico podium protest scene (minus the white guy). Anyway, Payton appeared very fit for his advanced age and dignified, a man of valour.