From the first modern Olympics in 1896 - when three Harvard undergraduates took home five gold medals - to the 1996 Atlanta Games where the Crimson was represented by some of its best, Harvard track has been a history-making proposition. Steeped in the tradition of over 123 years of Harvard track competition, current students continue to excel on both the national and international levels. Of course, history has provided some great examples for them.

There was Ned Gourdin '21 who set a world record (25'3") in the long jump while competing against Oxford-Cambridge in 1921. The NCAA champion and two-time Olympian Sam Felton '48 set standards for every Harvard hammer thrower since his day. Dyke Benjamin '59 set a path for future Harvard distance runners with his American record in the four-mile run. Ted Bailey '62 followed Felton's turns in the circle to win the NCAA championship.

Ellery Clark '96

Four athletes from the class of 1968 - Trey Burns, Jeff Huvelle, Jim Baker and Dave McKelvey - put Harvard in the relay record books with their NCAA two mile relay victory. Charlie Ajootian '69 and Ed Nosal '70 produced back-to-back national championships in the 35-pound weight throw. Keith Colburn's '70 100 yard victory in the Nationals helped catapult Harvard to a third place finish - highest ever for an Ivy League school. Geoff Stiles '79 capped the seventies with a soaring victory in the NCAA pole vault. The incomparable running of Adam Dixon '83 resulted in an American record in the 1000-meter run.  

Christine Roberge 92

Darlene Beckford '84 and Jenny Stricker '86, both collegiate record holders (mile and 3000 respectively), have provided examples which have been followed by 1989 and 1990 NCAA 800 meter champion and record holder Meredith Rainey '90. Nick Sweeney '92 joined Meredith at both the Barcelona and Atlanta Olympics as he threw the discus for his native Ireland.

Cathy Griffin '92 (discus) and four-time All American Ian Carswell '97 (5000m) placed first and second respectively in the '96 Canadian Olympic Trials providing further testament to Harvard's international track and field reputation. Cross Country All American and '88 Seoul Olympic alternate Paul Gomper's '87 continues to hold the American Junior record in the marathon. During her first year at Harvard, Karen Goetze '96 captured the French Junior 800 meter National Championship.

With over thirty Heptagonal titles, Harvard track has provided an atmosphere for both individual and team success and the formula for this success remains the same today: motivated students, a commited coaching staff, top facilities and Harvard University. It's an equation that makes for greatness.

At Harvard, competing in track and field and cross country means taking a commitment, but it doesn't mean taking a vow. Over the years, the Crimson has been worn by more than a few great performers who put in the miles and hours necessary for reaching high levels of success. But joining the Harvard program doesn't mean that growth in other areas is blunted - in fact, it's enhanced.

Fine examples of the Harvard student-athlete are not difficult to uncover. Stricker took sixth place in the NCAA cross country championships to earn All-America honors. At the same time, she was an important undergraduate member of the Harvard- Radcliffe Foundation for Women Athletes. Bob Madsen '85, a standout in the hammer, was awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship in his senior year. During the 1987-88 season, Don LaVigne '89 decided to compete away from Harvard. His decision as welcomed by the Crimson coaching staff and teammates, as LaVigne compete in the 1988 Olympic Games as a member of the U.S. bobsledding team. Jim Herberich '85 has twice represented the U.S. ('88 and '94) as a member of the Olympic Bobsled team - once as a "pusher" and the other as a driver.

Keith Colburn '70

Such versatility and dedication to not only their chosen athletic interests, but also the University and community, are the norm for Harvard athletes. These are just a few of the many examples of what can be accomplished in the supportive and highly motivated realm of the Harvard programs.