Houston McTear facts for kids

Houston McTear (born February 12, 1957 – died November 1, 2015) was a super fast American sprinter. He grew up in the Florida Panhandle and became a famous track star in the mid-1970s.

Houston was one of the top 10 sprinters in the United States from 1975 to 1980. He was especially good at shorter races, like the 60 meters. In 1978, he set a world record in the 60 meters with a time of 6.54 seconds. This record lasted until 1986.

He ran even faster in 1980, but that time was not officially counted. Sadly, his amazing career was affected by the American boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics. This meant he could not compete in the Games.

Houston McTear's Early Promise

Houston McTear was born in Okaloosa County, Florida. He went to Baker High School in Baker, Florida. While there, he won state titles in the 100-yard and 220-yard races four times. He is the only Florida high school athlete to ever do this.

He ran the 100-yard dash in an amazing 9.0 seconds in high school. This was a world-record time, but it wasn't officially recognized. This was because it was timed by hand, not by electronic equipment. This time is still the national high school record for that event. In 1975, Track and Field News named him the High School Athlete of the Year.

At the 1976 U.S. Olympic Trials, Houston ran the 100 meters in 10.16 seconds. At that time, it was the fastest ever run by a Florida high school athlete. Today, it is still one of the fastest times ever for a high schooler.

Becoming an International Star

Houston McTear made the U.S. team for the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. He was set to compete in the 100 meters. However, he hurt his achilles tendon during the Olympic Trials. This injury forced him to pull out of the Olympic race.

Another runner, Johnny Lam Jones, took his place and finished sixth. The American 4 x 100 meter relay team won the gold medal. This team included Houston's rival, Harvey Glance.

In 1978, Houston McTear was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine. He also qualified for the U.S. Olympic team in 1980. But the U.S. decided to boycott the 1980 Summer Olympics. This meant Houston could not compete in the Games.

He tried to make a comeback in the early 1990s. In 1990, he won the 60 meters at the Swedish Indoor Championships. His winning time was 6.68 seconds.

Houston McTear's Personal Life

Houston McTear was married to Linda Haglund, who was also a Swedish sprinter. They lived in Sweden together. They also owned a business that gave advice about sports.

Houston McTear passed away from lung cancer on November 1, 2015. He was 58 years old. He died in Stockholm, Sweden. He was survived by his four children and his wife, Linda. Linda Haglund also passed away from cancer just three weeks later, on November 21, 2015.

Houston McTear's Rankings

Track and Field News ranked Houston McTear among the best sprinters in the world. He was also ranked highly in the U.S. from 1975 to 1980.