State Champion And Olympian Bobby J Morrow Passed Away


The Valley Central News reported that Olympian and gold medal winner Bobby J Morrow passed away today from natural causes at his home in San Benito, Texas.

Morrow won three gold medals at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100 Relay; setting world records in the 200 and the relay. At the time, Morrow was the first triple gold medal winner in track and field since Jesse Owens did in in 1936. Morrow's time of 20.6 in the 200m in the 1956 Games broke Owens' world record.

Morrow attended San Benito High School where he wasn't just known for his speed, but also for his competitiveness. In middle school, Morrow was undefeated in track and field. As a freshman, he finished last in the 100y at the state meet. However, he went on to win three Texas Interscholastic League state titles. In 1953 he won the 100y in 9.8, then won the 200y in 1954 in 21.24, and then the 100y again in 1955 with a time of 9.7. He also long jumped 22-11 and played on the San Benito football team.


Photo - Kilgore Herald News

In 2006, San Benito named it's football stadium after Morrow and they hold the Bobby Morrow Relays each year.

As one of the top prep sprinters in the nation, Morrow could have competed at any school he wanted to; he chose to attend college at Abilene Christian University because, "I am a member of the Church of Christ," Morrow said. "I liked it because you were more acquainted with your teachers, they know you by name and not by numbers here."

Morrow achieved national and international fame through track and field. In 1989, he was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame. Born in Harlingen and raised on a farm, he was once known as the fastest man in the world, but he was just a South Texas boy at heart. 





Photo - The Bryan Daily Eagle