Clyde Hart (© AFP / Getty Images)
World Athletics is deeply saddened to hear that legendary US sprints coach Clyde Hart died on Saturday (1) at the age of 91 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Best known for guiding Michael Johnson, Jeremy Wariner and Sanya Richards-Ross to multiple world and Olympic titles, Hart is widely regarded as one of the greatest 400m coaches in history.
Hart’s journey in the sport began as a sprinter in Arkansas, where he tied the 100 yards state record in high school. He went on to study at Baylor University, and he returned there in 1963 as head coach of the track and field programme, a role he held until he stepped away from head coaching in 2005 and then later from his director role in 2019.
Throughout his career, Hart coached nine Olympians who amassed more than a dozen gold medals. He also produced 29 NCAA champions.
His outstanding contribution to the sport was recognised by World Athletics in 2009 when Hart was awarded the Coach of the Year award. Prior to that, in 2004 and 2006, he was named coach of the year by USATF.
Johnson has previously described Hart as “one of the greatest coaches ever”. The multiple world and Olympic champion said: “Teacher, mentor, friend, father figure – he’s been each of those for me since 1986.”
“The selflessness, love, dedication and passion he poured into me and countless others is unparalleled,” Richards-Ross said in an Instagram post. “We journeyed together for 13 years, attempting each year to be the best in the world. We achieved that and so much more. His unwavering support and love for me beyond my track prowess made us more like family than colleagues and it’s that love and friendship I’ll always cherish most.”
Hart is survived by his wife Maxine and their family.
World Athletics