Bourland, oldest surviving Olympic athletics gold medallist, dies

The IAAF is deeply saddened to hear that Cliff Bourland, the oldest surviving Olympic gold medallist in athletics, died on Thursday (1) at the age of 97.

Born in Los Angeles of a German mother and US father, Bourland started out in athletics at the age of 11. His athletics career flourished during his time at the University of Southern California, where he was guided by legendary coach Dean Cromwell.

He won national titles at 400m and 440 yards in the early 1940s but put his athletics career on hold to serve in the navy as a captain of a landing craft tank during World War II.

Bourland represented the USA at the 1948 Olympics in London, finishing fifth in the 200m and contributing to the USA’s gold medal in the 4x400m.

After retiring from athletics, he worked in the shoe, insurance and mortgage banking industries. He is survived by his wife, two sons, daughter and grandchildren.

IAAF