LeRoy T. Walker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
LeRoy T. Walker
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LeRoy Walker as Chancellor of North Carolina Central University, 1984
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| Born | June 14, 1918 |
| Died | April 23, 2012 (aged 93) Durham, North Carolina, US
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| Alma mater | Benedict College Columbia NYU |
| Title | President of United States Olympic Committee |
| Term | 1992–1996 |
| Children | 2 |
| Awards | USATF Hall of Fame USTFCCCA Hall of Fame NACDA James J. Corbett Memorial Award George Dales Award |
LeRoy T. Walker (born June 14, 1918 – died April 23, 2012) was a very important American track and field coach. He made history as the first black president of the United States Olympic Committee.
In 1996, Walker was chosen to lead a huge group of 10,000 talented athletes for the Olympics. He wanted everyone in America to feel like they were part of the Olympic program. He said, "We ought to keep them informed. We ought to let them know what the Olympic movement is all about and what’s happening to the dollars that they give."
Before becoming president, in 1988, he was the treasurer for the Olympic Committee's special fund. Under his care, this fund grew by about $43 million. Later, he gave up a high-paying job as the sports director for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games. He chose to take the unpaid president's job instead, showing his dedication.
LeRoy Walker's Education and Coaching Career
LeRoy Walker studied at several colleges. He earned his first degree from Benedict College. Then, he got a master's degree from Columbia University. He later earned his Ph.D. in biomechanics (the study of how bodies move) from New York University. He even received sports scholarships to help pay for his college studies.
Walker started his coaching career at Benedict College. In 1945, he became the head track coach at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). He also led the physical education and recreation departments there. Many NCCU track and field athletes competed in the Olympic Games between 1956 and 1980. When Walker retired in 1986, his team had won 11 gold medals. Also, 80 of his athletes were named All-American, and 35 won national championships.
Besides coaching at NCCU, he also coached track teams from other countries. He coached teams from Israel and Ethiopia in 1960. He led Trinidad and Tobago in 1964, Jamaica in 1968, and Kenya in 1972. His last Olympic team was for the United States in 1976. This team included famous athletes like Caitlyn Jenner (then Bruce) and Edwin Moses.
Walker also served as the honorary chairman for the Board of Directors of the Africa News Service. This organization was based in Durham, North Carolina.
LeRoy Walker's Family Life
LeRoy Walker had two children: a daughter named Dr. Carolyn Walker Hopp and a son named LeRoy T. Walker Jr. His home was in Durham, NC. His wife, Katherine, passed away in 1978.
Walker was also a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
Awards and Special Honors
In 1991, LeRoy Walker received the Eagle Award from the United States Sports Academy. This award is the Academy's highest international honor. Walker earned it for his important contributions to sports around the world.
Walker was also honored in his hometown of Durham, NC. On November 2, 2019, he was recognized as a Main Honoree by the Sesquicentennial Honors Commission. This special award was given to 29 people who helped shape Durham in important ways.
