NEW ORLEANS - San José State track and field icon John Carlos has been named as an inductee into the Collegiate Athlete Hall of Fame by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). Carlos, a titan of the "Speed City" era, joins an elite group of athletes recognized for their unparalleled contributions to the sport during their collegiate careers.
The induction ceremony, scheduled to take place later this year, honors Carlos not only for his world-class speed but for his role in establishing San José State as a global epicenter of track and field excellence and social activism.
A Legacy of "Speed City" Dominance
John Carlos’s collegiate career is defined by a series of historic performances that propelled San José State to the 1969 NCAA Team Championship—the first in the program’s history. Under the tutelage of legendary coach Lloyd "Bud" Winter, Carlos achieved feats that remain legendary in the track community:
- World Record Speed: In 1969, Carlos equaled the world record in the 100-yard dash with a blistering time of 9.1 seconds.
- NCAA Triple: At the 1969 NCAA Outdoor Championships, Carlos was the individual champion in both the 100-yard and 220-yard dashes and anchored the winning 440-yard relay team.
- Undefeated Season: During his peak collegiate years, Carlos was virtually unbeatable, setting indoor world bests in the 60-yard and 220-yard dashes.
Impact Beyond the Track
- Carlos’s time at SJSU was also marked by his leadership in the Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR). Alongside teammate Tommie Smith and sociologist Dr. Harry Edwards, Carlos used his platform, culminating in the iconic "Silent Gesture" at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games.
About the USTFCCCA Collegiate Athlete Hall of Fame:
The Collegiate Athlete Hall of Fame was established in 2022 by the USTFCCCA to honor the greatest stars in the history of collegiate track & field and cross country. Inductees are chosen based solely on their accomplishments while competing as collegiate student-athletes.
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