Ralph Harold Boston was an American track athlete who received three Olympic medals best known for breaking Jesse Owens’s 25-year-old world record in long jump, and a year later became the first jumper to break the 27-foot mark. Boston attended Tennessee State University, where he was coached by legendary track and field coach Ed Temple. He first gained international recognition in 1959 when he won the Pan-American Games long jump title with a jump of 8.03 meters. He won a gold medal in the long... moreRalph Harold Boston was an American track athlete who received three Olympic medals best known for breaking Jesse Owens’s 25-year-old world record in long jump, and a year later became the first jumper to break the 27-foot mark. Boston attended Tennessee State University, where he was coached by legendary track and field coach Ed Temple. He first gained international recognition in 1959 when he won the Pan-American Games long jump title with a jump of 8.03 meters. He won a gold medal in the long jump at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, setting a new world record with a jump of 8.12 meters. Boston was also a three-time world record holder in the event and won a total of three Olympic medals in his, career. Boston's world record-setting jump at the 1960 Olympics cemented his place in history as one of the greatest long jumpers of all time. He continued to compete at a high level for several years, winning a silver medal in the long jump at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo and a bronze medal in the event at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. After retiring from competition, Boston worked as a coach and motivational speaker, inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential. He will be remembered as one of the most accomplished long jumpers in history and an inspiration to generations of athletes.
