Larry James

Prior to 1968, Larry James was known primarily as a hurdler and triple jumper, but in the Olympic year he concentrated on the one-lap event with astonishing success. Although he was beaten at the Final Trials and the Olympics by Lee Evans, his time of 43.97 at Mexico City ranked as the second-fastest 400m of all time through the mid-80s. Later in the Games, James ran a 43.8 relay leg when the U.S. bettered the world record by more than three seconds. While at Villanova, James won the IC4A outdoor 440y and the NCAA indoor 440y for three straight years from 1968. Additionally he won the NCAA outdoor 440y in 1970.

James graduated from Villanova in business administration, and later earned a master’s in public policy from Rutgers. He rose to the rank of major in the US Marine Corps Reserve. He later became dean of athletics at Richard Stockton College. In 2003 he was elected to the National Track and Field Hall of Fame.

Personal Bests: 400 – 43.97 (1968); 400H – 50.2 (1970).