George Rhoden

George Rhoden first competed internationally at the 1948 Olympics, but did not medal. He was a member of the heavily favored Jamaican 4x400 m relay team, but when Arthur Wint pulled a muscle in the final, they could not finish. Rhoden set a world record in the 400 m with 45.8 on 22 August 1950 at Eskilstuna, Sweden. At the 1952 Olympics, Rhoden was more successful, entering as a pre-race favorite in the 400 m as the world record holder. Rhoden narrowly won gold over his team-mate Herb McKenley, who had also been second in the 1948 Olympic 400 m. As the anchor runner for the Jamaican 4x400 m relay team, Rhoden added a second Olympic gold, edging the United States by 1/10th of a second, while setting a world record (3:03.9). Rhoden also won AAU championships at 400 m from 1949-51 and as a Morgan State University student, won NCAA championships in the 220 yds in 1951 and the 440 yds from 1950-52.

Personal Best: 400 – 45.8 (1950).