Four Inducted Into National Hall of Fame

The National Track and Field Hall of Fame opened its doors to four new members yesterday. Greg Foster, Francie Larrieu-Smith, Jay Silvester and Dwight Stones were honored at the 20th annual Hall of Fame induction ceremonies and luncheon during the USA Track & Field's annual meeting Thursday at the Clarion Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla.

"I respect Jay Silvester's long domination of his event and his subsequent contributions to the sport, but I am particularly excited that Francie, Dwight and Greg - who were my contemporaries - have been chosen for induction," USATF CEO Craig Masback told Track and Field News.

Silvester, 61, is one of the sport's greatest discus throwers as a seven-time world-record holder who won Olympic silver and bronze medals. Silvester first set the world record (198-8) in 1961, and he later became the first discus thrower to reach 220 and 230 feet. His best mark was 230-11 in 1971. Silvester won five national titles and was victorious at the Olympic Trials in 1964, 1968 and 1972. He also was a standout shot putter for the United States with a best of 65-7¾ in 1971.

Foster, 40, was in the world spotlight as a high hurdler from 1981-1991. He was the silver-medalist in the 1984 Olympics. Foster was a three-time winner of the 110 meter hurdles at the outdoor World Championships and won 10 national titles. From 1977 to 1992, he was world-ranked 15 out of the 16 years and set world indoor records in 1986 and 1987. Foster was the 1991 world indoor champion, the 1981 World Cup winner and was world-ranked in the 200 meters in 1979. At UCLA, Foster was a national collegiate champion in both the high hurdles and 200 meters.

Stones, 44, who was a star high jumper from 1973-1984, was known as much for his jumping style as his skill. He is an 11-time national champion who set the world record three times. Stones set his first world record in 1973, clearing 7-6½. With that jump, he became the first "flop" jumper to set a world record. In 1976, he set world records of 7-7 and 7-7¼ just two months apart. He is a three-time Olympian and two-time Olympic bronze medalist. Stones won the Olympic Trials in 1972 and 1984.

Larrieu-Smith, 45, is a favorite among United States track and field team members and fans. At the 1992 Olympic Games, in which she competed in the marathon, she carried the U.S. flag at the Opening Ceremonies. She competed in five Olympics and has been nationally ranked in every event from the 800 meters to the marathon. Larrieu-Smith won 21 national titles and set 35 American records in distances from 1,000 meters to two miles.

Go To Page: 1 2