The global governing body for track and field, World Athletics, has said it is “deeply saddened” by the news of Jamaican George Rhoden’s death on Saturday, August 24.

“World Athletics is deeply saddened to hear that Jamaica’s George Rhoden, winner of the 400m and 4x400m at the 1952 Olympics, died on Saturday (24) at the age of 97,” a statement read.

“An impressive all-round talent, Rhoden competed in the 100m at the 1948 Olympics and in the 800m at the 1950 and 1954 CAC Games,” World Athletics added.

Rhoden was the last surviving member of Jamaica’s “golden quartet” from the 1952 Helsinki Olympics in Finland. At those Games, Rhoden anchored Jamaica’s men to a world record win of 3:04.04 in the 4x400m relay.

Born in Kingston in 1926, the Jamaican athlete moved to the United States where he studied at Morgan State University, a historically black university in Maryland. While there, he won NCAA championships in the 220-yard and 440-yard dash from 1950 to 1952

However, Rhoden’s first taste of international success came at the 1946 Central American and Caribbean Games, where he earned bronze in the 400m and gold in the 4x400m, despite still being a teenager.

In 1950 Rhoden set a world 400m record of 45.80secs in Eskilstuna, Sweden. This achievement set him up as one of the favourites going into the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.

In a thrilling showdown with Jamaican teammate Herb McKenley, Rhoden struck gold in the Finnish capital in an Olympic record of 46.09.

Two days later, Rhoden and McKenley teamed up with Arthur Wint and Leslie Laing to take gold in the 4x400m, beating the United States.

According to World Athletics, “One of his final major championship appearances came at the 1954 CAC Games, where he won four medals: silver in the 400m and 800m, plus gold in the 4x100m and 4x400m.”

After his exploits in track and field Rhoden moved to San Francisco where he was an educator and mentor. He taught physical education and coached track and field at Howard University and the University of the District of Columbia.

Later, he served as the president of the Jamaican Amateur Athletic Association and was a member of the International Olympic Committee.

President of Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Garth Gayle commended Rhoden’s contribution to athletics, noting he was “a dependable team member”. 

“His performances in 1952 will always be remembered as they laid the groundwork for the strong track and field nation we are today,” Gayle added while calling Rhoden the “building blocks of our sport.” 

Minister of Sport Olivia Grange also hailed Rhoden’s contribution to sport.

“There is no doubt that Vincent George Rhoden played his part in paving the way for future generations of Jamaican track athletes, who have certainly not let him down,” she said.

Opposition spokesperson on sports Wavell Hinds shared similar sentiments.

“George Rhoden’s impact on Jamaican athletics cannot be overstated. He was a trailblazer, achieving greatness at a time when opportunities for athletes from small nations like ours were limited,” Opposition Spokesperson on Sports, Wavell Hinds expressed.