Willie Steele facts for kids
William Samuel Steele (born July 14, 1923 – died September 19, 1989) was an amazing American athlete. He was best known for his incredible skills in the long jump. Steele won a gold medal in the long jump at the 1948 London Olympic Games. He was considered one of the best long jumpers in the world during the 1940s.
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Early Life and Education
Willie Steele was born in El Centro, California, on July 14, 1923. When he was four years old, his family moved to San Diego. He grew up there and graduated from Herbert Hoover High School in 1940.
Steele first started his college sports career at San Jose State College. He was coached by Bud Winter in the early 1940s. In 1942, when he was just 18, Willie won the Junior long jump championship. He achieved a fantastic jump of 25 feet 7 inches (7.80 meters) that year. This jump was the best in the world for 1942.
Service in World War II
Willie Steele's college and sports career was put on hold because of World War II. He joined the Army and served his country in Africa and Italy. He was recognized and honored for his brave service during the war.
College Sports Star
After the war, Steele went back to college. He attended San Diego State College, which is now called San Diego State University. He was a talented athlete who played basketball and football. But he was especially famous as a track and field star.
While at San Diego State, he won two NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) long jump championships. He also won one AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) broad jump championship. His personal best in the long jump was 26 feet 6 inches (8.08 meters) in 1947. This was very close to Jesse Owens' world record from 1935. Willie Steele's long jump record still stands at San Diego State University today! Even Arnie Robinson, who won a gold medal in the 1976 Olympics, did not beat Steele's school record.
Olympic Gold Medal
Willie Steele's biggest achievement was winning the gold medal in the long jump at the 1948 London Summer Olympics. Before the event, Steele had hurt his ankle. Because of this injury, he could only take two jumps during the competition.
But even with his injury, he managed to win the gold medal! His first jump was 25 feet 8 inches (7.82 meters). This amazing jump was enough to secure him the top spot.
Life After Sports
After his successful track and field career, Steele tried playing professional football. He signed a contract to play halfback for the Los Angeles Rams. However, he only played in a few practice games before leaving the team.
Willie Steele was known for being a quiet and humble person. He was a great example of a student-athlete. He was also a popular speaker at many community events. Steele spent most of his career working in Oakland, California. He was a director in the city's Parks and Recreation Department. He raised his family in Oakland.
A year after he retired, Willie Steele sadly passed away from cancer on September 19, 1989. He was 66 years old.
Awards and Recognition
Willie Steele's incredible achievements are still remembered. In 2009, he was honored by being inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Hall of Champions in San Diego's Balboa Park.
Major Championships
- 1948 Olympic Games: Long Jump – 7.82 m (1st place)
- 1948 Olympic Trials: Long Jump – 7.98 m (1st place)
- 1946 AAU Outdoors: Long Jump – 7.32 m (1st place)
- 1947 AAU Outdoors: Long Jump – 7.55 m (1st place)
- 1948 NCAA Outdoors: Long Jump – 7.60 m (1st place)
- 1947 NCAA Outdoors: Long Jump – 8.08 m (1st place)
