Dallas Long, the 1964 Olympic shot put champion, has passed away at the age of 84. Known for his remarkable strength and precision, Long stood out in what is often considered a golden era for American shot putting, establishing a legacy that went beyond his athletic achievements. With his Olympic gold medal, multiple world records, and role as a pioneering force in the sport, Long’s career embodied the dedication and excellence of American track and field in the 1960s.
Born on June 13, 1940, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Long’s journey into the world of shot put began during his high school years in Phoenix, Arizona. He attended North Phoenix High School, where he was coached by Vern Wolfe. Wolfe, a dedicated mentor, played a significant role in Long’s development as an athlete, and their collaboration continued when Long attended the University of Southern California. As a USC student-athlete, he won three successive NCAA titles in shot put from 1960 to 1962, a testament to his skill and his coach’s guidance.
Long’s rise to prominence began early in his career. At 18, he equaled Parry O’Brien’s 19.25-meter world record, a feat that placed him among the elite in shot put. In 1960, he secured his first Olympic medal, taking home a bronze from the Rome Games, where American shot putters dominated. He stood on the podium behind his compatriots Bill Nieder and Parry O’Brien, marking the first of his two Olympic achievements. His early successes set the stage for his record-breaking performances in the years that followed.
The year 1960 proved pivotal for Long as he continued to push the limits in his sport. He set his first official world records with throws of 19.38 meters and 19.67 meters in March of that year. Later, Bill Nieder threw beyond the 20-meter mark, but Long would go on to regain the world record in 1962, becoming the second person to break 20 meters with a throw of 20.08 meters. In the years that followed, he continued to build on his record, improving it with throws of 20.10 meters, 20.20 meters, and finally reaching 20.68 meters in 1964.
Long’s accomplishments in 1964 marked the pinnacle of his athletic career. At the Tokyo Olympic Games, he delivered a record-breaking throw of 20.33 meters to secure the gold medal, outpacing competitors Randy Matson from the United States and Vilmos Varju from Hungary. This Olympic victory was a crowning achievement for Long, as he set an Olympic record and claimed the title of the world’s top shot putter. Parry O’Brien, who had been a dominant figure in shot put and was aiming for his third consecutive Olympic gold, finished in fourth place.
After achieving the highest honors in his sport, Long retired from competitive shot putting and turned his attention to a career in medicine. He became both a doctor and dentist, applying the same dedication and discipline to his medical profession that had defined his years as an athlete. In recognition of his impact on athletics, Long was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1996, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest figures.
Dallas Long’s life and career remain a source of inspiration in the world of shot put and track and field. His dedication, remarkable skill, and drive to push the boundaries of what was possible set new standards for future generations of athletes. Through his achievements and his contributions, both on and off the field, he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to resonate within the sport for years to come.
