Frank Shorter

Frank Shorter is a former long-distance runner who won the gold medal in the 1972 Summer Olympics. In 1965, Shorter graduated from Yale University and in 1969, he graduated from the University of Florida College of Law. During his senior year at Yale, Shorter won the 1969 NCAA 10,000 meter title. Shorter won his first U.S. National titles in 1970, in the 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter events. Shorter is a four-time U.S. National Cross Country Championships from 1970-73. In 1972, and 1976 Shorter was the U.S. Olympic Trials Champion in the 10,000-meter run and the marathon. Shorter won both the 10,000-meter run and the marathon during the 1971 Pan American Games. He also won the Fukuoka Marathon in 1971-74. Shorter’s greatest recognition came as a marathon runner since he is the only African American athlete to win two medals in the Olympic marathon. Shorter was inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame in 1984 and the USA National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1989.