Herb Douglas facts for kids
Herbert Paul Douglas Jr. (born March 9, 1922 – died April 22, 2023) was an American athlete. He was best known for competing in the long jump.
 Douglas in 2018 |
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| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Men's athletics | ||
Representing  United States |
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| Olympic Games | ||
| Bronze | 1948 London | Long jump |
Early Life and School
Herbert Douglas Jr. grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He finished high school at Taylor Allderdice High School in 1940. He was the first African-American basketball player at his school.
Douglas went to Xavier University of Louisiana in 1942. There, he competed in the 48th Annual Penn Relays. He helped Xavier win the American Quarter-Mile Relay Championship. He also competed for the University of Pittsburgh. In 2018, he was honored in their first sports hall of fame class.
Olympic Achievements
Herbert Douglas Jr. represented the United States in the long jump. This was at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London. He won the bronze medal. His jump was 24 feet 9 inches (7.54 m) long.
Another American, Willie Steele, won the gold medal. His jump was 25 feet 8 inches (7.82 m). Theo Bruce from Australia won the silver medal. His jump was 24 feet 9.5 inches (7.56 m). Before the 2012 Summer Olympics, Douglas was the oldest living African-American Olympic medalist.
Later Life and Legacy
Herbert Douglas Jr. turned 100 years old in March 2022. He passed away in Pittsburgh on April 22, 2023. He was 101 years old. In 2009, he was added to the Taylor Allderdice High School alumni hall of fame.
