World Sprint Record Held By Victim Of Polio

Press, Volume C, Issue 29563, 12 July 1961, Page 13

World Sprint Record Held By Victim Of Polio

\VHEN referring to the world’s current leading track sprinter over 100 yards or 100 metres, the expression. "the fastest man alive” is often used. At present this distinction belongs to a 21 -year-old negro student, Francis Joseph Budd.

At the American amateur union championships at New York on June 24. Frank Budd ran 100 yards in 92 seconds to break the previous world record of 9.3 seconds, established 13 years ago by Mel Patton, and since equalled by nine other athletes, including Budd.

Budd first came into prominence last year. At the national collegiate chamoionships he was eliminated in the semi-finals of the 100 metres, but in the American championships he was placed fourth. In the final Olympic trials that year he finished second in 100 metres and thereby earned himself a place in the United States team for the Olympic Games at Rome, where he ran fifth in the final of the 100 metres, In the 4xloo metres relay, Budd was lead-off-man for the United States team, which, after winning the final. was disqualified because of a faulty changeover between Budd and Ray Norton. Budd, who had been inclined to become over tense at the changes, slowed

down, causing Norton to run out of the baton-passing-zone before he had received the baton.

This year Budd began the indoor season in fantastic form, winning nine races on end. including the American 80 yards championship. As a result of his very fast (only Armin Hary was quicker at the Olympics) he is almost unbeatable over the shorter indoor distances.

On May 6. Budd made his first outdoor performance a memorable one by equaling the world’s 100 yard record of 9.3 seconds and in the following weeks he recorded times of 9.4, 9 4 (wind assisted), 9.6, 9,5, 9.5, 9J 9.4 and 9.2.

After his outstanding performances this season, Budd was included in the United States team to compete in several meetings in London and Europe later this month. The first is against U.S.S.R. at Moscow on July 15-16. Budd, who is sft. 101ns. and weighs 12 stone, is at present studying at Villanova University, the home of Olympic champions, Ron Delany (1500 metres 1956), Charlie Jenkins (400 metres 1956) and Don Bragg (pole vault 1960). Like two other great athletes. Murray Halberg and Wilma Rudolph, who overcame physical disabilities, Budd- was stricken with poliomyelitis at the age of seven, and now runs with a withered right calf.