Arquímedes Herrera

Arquímedes Herrera was the leading South American sprinter of the early 1960s, and one of the greatest ever from that continent. He doubled at the 1961 and 1963 South American Games, winning the 100 and 200. His other major international title was a gold in the 100 at the 1965 Bolivarian Games, adding a bronze in the 200 metres. At the 1963 Pan American Games Herrera won silver in the 100 and 4x100 relay, and a bronze in the 200. At the 1962 Central American and Caribbean Games, he won a silver medal in the 200 and a bronze in the 100. Late in his career, Herrera won silver medals in both sprints at the 1970 Bolivarian Games. Herrera was ranked #4 in the world in the 100 in 1963.

As a teenager Herrera spent time in the Venezuelan military, taking up his athletics career after his discharge. After his sports career ended, he worked as a coach and as a judge with the Venezuelan Athletics Federation.

Personal Bests: 100 – 10.32 (1963); 200 – 20.5 (1964).