Mourning the Loss of Ralph Boston at 83, Celebrating His Lasting Legacy in Collegiate Track & Field

We join the track and field community in mourning the passing of Ralph Boston, one of the most accomplished long jumpers in the history of the sport, who has passed away at the age of 83. Boston’s extraordinary collegiate career and induction into the Collegiate Track & Field and Cross Country Athlete Hall of Fame remain a testament to his incredible talent and dedication.

Born on May 9, 1939, in Laurel, Mississippi, Boston’s greatness was evident from the start. He won the NCAA Championships long jump title in 1960 while attending Tennessee State University, and later that summer, he broke the world record set by Jesse Owens in 1935 during the Rome Olympics, where he clinched the gold medal.

In his senior season of 1961, Boston continued to dominate the sport, breaking the indoor world record three times. The outdoor season saw him make history as the first person to record a 27-foot long jump. He nearly won the NAIA team title for Tennessee State single-handedly, with four wins and a tie for second place. In July of that year, he improved his long jump world record to 8.28m (27-2) while winning the U.S.-USSR dual meet in Moscow.

Boston was a three-time Olympic medalist, winning gold at the 1960 Rome Olympics, silver at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, and bronze at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. His achievements also included five AAU national championships and two gold medals at the Pan American Games.

In recognition of his outstanding collegiate achievements, Boston was honored as a member of the inaugural class of the Collegiate Track & Field and Cross Country Athlete Hall of Fame in 2022.

We extend our deepest condolences to Boston’s family and friends and invite all to reflect on the life and legacy of this exceptional athlete, whose indomitable spirit and dedication to the sport will never be forgotten.